Discover Sauveterre-de-Béarn at Camping du Gave

This part of the itinerary of the via Lemoviciensis (way of Vézelay) undertakes a long crossing between Sauveterre-de-Béarn and Ostabat, in Navarre. The historical discoveries are scattered all along the route (Legend bridge, Guinarthe, Pausasac milestone, Saint-Palais), even becoming very frequent at the end of the day (Gibraltar stele, Soyarza chapel, Harambeltz church). A great wealth of heritage, ideal to get to the end of a stage that is finally quite long and with a marked relief.

This is an ideal family hike to discover Savoie's heritage. From the Renaissance-style town hall to the heights of the Castera district, the walk offers walkers an enchanting architectural and landscaped setting.

This hike offers walkers a remarkable diversity of landscapes. Departing from Salies-de-Béarn, it takes in farms, forests and ponds, all set against the backdrop of the Pyrenees mountain range.

This superb loop between the Gaves de Pau and Oloron is full of interest. The number of castles, bastides and abbeys enchants the route. On the cyclo plan, the very hilly profile with difficult climbs on country roads requires a good training.

A short stage, exclusively on secondary roads, links Salies-de-Béarn and Orthez, two important cities in the history of Béarn. The route immediately rises above the hills of Salies and then turns into the valley of the Gave de Pau, a powerful river fed by the snow and springs of the Pyrenees. The V81 now goes up its course, today towards Orthez, tomorrow towards Pau, the day after tomorrow towards Lourdes. The populations have invested for a long time these open places and favourable to the agriculture. Thus, on the way, you will be able to discover the contemporary cultures of kiwis and to appreciate the richness of the built heritage; by a light detour towards the castle and the portal of the church of Bellocq, or within the beautiful Béarnaise houses of Bérenx and its old mills. Sainte-Suzanne already announces the proximity of Orthez.

Salies-de-Béarn, the "city of salt", has many facets that we'll be delighted to explore on a multi-stage journey: a stroll along the old railway line, accessible to all wheels, a visit to old Salies, which takes us back to the 17th century, and a fun and sporting getaway at the Mosquéros leisure park.

From Salies-de-Béarn to the Eiffel bridge at Castagnède, on the Gave d'Oloron, a greenway follows the former route of a railway. Flat and mostly shaded, very colourful in autumn, it is particularly suitable for family walks. While strolling under the oaks, you may, who knows, hear the black woodpecker or see a titmouse near the barthes of Salies.

This stage of Santiago de Compostela goes through forests and pastures. The walker really enters the Basque Country: unlike the Bearn of the previous stages, the houses and farms are scattered over the territory. The stage ends in Ostabat, a famous village because it is the point of convergence of the routes from Le Puy, Tours and Vezelay.

An interesting stage in the province of Basse-Navarre connects Arancou and Saint-Palais, mostly along the small hill roads on either side of the Bidouze valley. The walk is lined with real architectural treasures, as soon as you leave Arancou, at Bergouey-Viellenave or Garris, whether it be churches, medieval bridges or houses with a strong Basque character.

On a sunny plateau overlooking the Bidouze river bed, Arancou is a white-walled village with a remarkable built and human heritage. A historic stopover on one of the hiking routes to Santiago de Compostela, the Via Turonensis, Arancou built its reputation around a hospital and priory which welcomed pilgrims from the 13th century. There are also several mansions, once dedicated to works of hospitality, whose architectural details can be appreciated. In the village, the church of Notre-Dame is also worth a careful look, for its style mixing Romanesque elongated plan and Gothic vaults or capitals. On the roads, the surrounding hills promise a good oxygenation in the forest, where you can meet beautiful hundred-year-old oaks, while the Bidouze valley offers you its calm and the freshness of its banks.

In the heart of the inner Basque Country, the Zazpithurria (the seven springs in Basque) gîte has taken its place in a preserved nature between sea and mountains. This gîte has been fitted out on the back of the owners' house, without any vis-à-vis. The gîte is 7 kms from Saint Palais, where you will find all the amenities and services, and only 25 min from Saint Jean Pied de Port. The charm of this old 18th century building and the quietness of the large park with fruit trees will seduce you. You will also enjoy the terrace. The accommodation is ideal for families as it is equipped with 2 bedrooms (1 with double bed and 1 with 2 single beds) and all the baby equipment.

In the heart of the village of Laàs you will find the "Auberge de la Fontaine", the purest expression of what sense of welcome and rural conviviality can be. You feel warmly welcomed, the cooking being generous and very tasty. The 5 rooms were entirely renovated in 2008 and are spacious. The family suite can very comfortably accomodate 4 persons and the other attic rooms can host 2 to 3 persons and are all air-conditionned. During your stay at the inn you will certainly go and visit the Castle and the property of Laàs, go rafting or salmon or trout fishing on the Gave d'Oloron (Gave being a name given to Pyrenean mountain streams). It is worth noting that the restaurant is famous all over the region for the quality of its cooking. Beware, this hotel could make an addict out of you!

In a warm atmosphere marked by the charisma and elegance of the Moorish style, the Selya Resort's thermal spa invites you to well-being and relaxation thanks to the unique virtues of Salies-de-Béarn thermal spring water. Rich in minerals and trace elements, and with a unique salt concentration (290g/l), Salies-de-Béarn thermal spring water is an exceptional natural resource for well-being and beauty. Recognized for its benefits in the treatment of gynecological pathologies, it is also beneficial to your skin thanks to the presence of "halophilic" anti-aging bacteria, effective in preventing and delaying aging. Our wellness treatments draw their strength from the benefits of salt and the most virtuous things nature has to offer to guarantee vitality and soothing. Rejuvenate at your own pace, for a few minutes or for the duration of your stay.

Ideally located near Saint-Palais and on the route to Santiago de Compostela, the Denena inn welcomes you to the heart of the village. In this small, brand-new hotel-restaurant, you can enjoy comfortable rooms with modern decor. If you're coming with someone with reduced mobility, the entire establishment is on one level, and one of the rooms has been adapted. Krystel's restaurant serves traditional dishes made with fresh regional produce. And if you're hiking along the GR654 (the Vézelay route on one of the paths to Santiago de Compostela), you'll find a comfortable stopover at a very reasonable price.

Welcome to Saint Palais, a charming village in the heart of the Basque Country, between sea and mountains. Thanks to its central location, St Palais is the starting point for walks and discoveries. It is also a crossroads of the different routes of the Way of St Jacques de Compostelle. On the spot, you will also find many activities such as fishing, hiking, cinema, swimming pool, horse riding, pelota, Basque dances and songs. The apartment is located close to the centre of Saint-Palais, you can do your shopping on foot.

From Saint-Palais, you can easily enjoy the Basque Country: the mountains and Iraty are close by, and it will be easy for you to head to the Basque coast for a day by the sea. Saint-Palais has all kinds of shops, a riding school and a swimming pool open in the summer. The Ametania house is an old farm at the entrance of Saint-Palais. Gracieuse and Jean-Baptiste have arranged a comfortable apartment in modern style, spacious for a family holiday or a holiday for two couples.

The destiny of this small town of royal foundation is intrinsically linked to the Kingdom of Navarre and the development of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Today, its prosperity and dynamism come mainly from the surrounding countryside, with peasants and farmers working hard every day to make the most of their land! A stop at the butcher?s will allow us to taste the fruits of their labor. From the 13th century to the present day, discover this place steeped in history, rich in heritage and teeming with culture, a true crossroads of the inland Basque country.

The Museum of Basse Navarre is located in Saint-Palais, at the crossroads of the Tours (GR 655) and Vézelay (GR 654) pilgrim routes. The tour features a number of themes relating the history of Lower Navarre and Saint-Palais: prehistory, the Roman presence, the new towns of Lower Navarre, the Chancellery of Navarre, the Saint-Palais mint, Basque pelota, 19th-century Saint-Palais, the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, craftsmanship, lapidary art and agriculture in Lower Navarre.

Catherine and Jean-Claude welcome you in their house located in a quiet area of Saint-Palais. You will be able to visit the cultural area and the Chemins Bideak garden and enjoy the many activities organised on site. You will be able to visit the Basque Country, from the coast to the Iraty Mountains via Saint-Jean Pied de Port You will enjoy spacious, pleasantly decorated rooms on the same level with shared bathroom. You will share your breakfast at the owners' table. Catherine loves to cook and will make you taste her homemade jams and cakes to start the day of your holidays...

*St Jean Pied de Port and the Citadelle as recounted by a Country Storyteller; from St. James' Gate, listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, you will walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims. Let the stones and cobbles of the fortified square tell you their tales, they will evoke the prestige of the kings of Navarre and the role played by the Citadelle, reworked by the King's Engineer, Vauban.

Built in the 12th-13th centuries, this bridge, once the gateway to the medieval city of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, is the subject of a pretty legend, that of Reine Sancie .... In Béarn but on the verge of Basque country, he saw many pilgrims, merchants and other visitors cross his wooden drawbridge to take refuge, visit or do business in the City. Here is one of the most beautiful views of the city and its many fortifications but also on the Gave d'Oloron which flows at its feet and is a delight for whitewater enthusiasts, fishermen, bathers or simply nature lovers. So from there you discover many activities available to you, the promise of an ideal stay.

At the exit of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, the Conserveries Gratien offer you a multitude of delicious dishes. From pâté béarnais, to Basque chicken, from fresh products such as lomo to cooked dishes such as lentils, from the production to sale of foie gras, here is represented the best of local gastronomy, of the Basque Country and Béarn. The warm welcome reflects the atmosphere of this family business with quality products. Many gift boxes will allow you to delight your loved ones. International Quality Trophy (Paris 2013), Petit Fûté Guide "The best local products" since 2008.

Sauveterre was built near a natural defense, the Gave d'Oloron. This river is part of its identity just like the Isle of Glère (strike in Béarnais). Cross the footbridge opposite the Camping du Gave to stroll through the heart of this classified natural site, considered the 4th monument of Sauveterre-de-Béarn. Thanks to regular monitoring by the ONF, many protected plant species are highlighted (black poplar, boxwood, foliage lichens ...). Discover at any time the history of this island classified as Sensitive Natural Space: its flora, its protected plant species, appreciate the calm and the beauty of the nature which surrounds you.

In the heart of the medieval town of Sauveterre, a charming shop window, decorated with taste and originality, beckons you to enter. Once inside, you'll be captivated by the smell of chocolates and pastries.... Before your very eyes, a multitude of colours and shapes for homemade cakes, chocolates and breads. You'll love Marie's warm welcome and Patricia's lilting accent. The house specialities include the Médiéval cake (crispy biscuit and dark chocolate mousse), the Hors-Saison (pistachio-raspberry macaroon), the Basque blueberry cake, and the Médiéval chocolate cake (crispy puff pastry praline).

In the majestic setting of the Tour Monréal, let yourself be carried away in medieval Béarn from the 13th to the 16th century, thanks to a modern and fun museographic layout. In the center, the reconstruction of our City, made of thousands of stones, beams and joists in the 100th, calibrated and assembled, will invite you to discover all around, spaces dedicated to the great hours of Sauveterre-de-Béarn "Small cities of Character" , its heritage, the history of Béarn, Navarre, France… The Monréal Tower, a medieval tower included in the city walls, is open to visitors. After the visit, discover the monuments and relax on the banks of the Gave, enjoy the tranquility of the place from the Isle of Glère. Let the city tell you ...

A land of refuge from the very beginning, Sauveterre-de-Béarn has always attracted visitors for the beauty of its site and its preserved heritage. Pilgrims, merchants and inhabitants of the town have rubbed shoulders for centuries. Simple saved at the beginning, Sauveterre-de-Béarn became a rich medieval city, one of the main towns of Béarn itself, and enjoyed great prosperity thanks in particular to two great viscounts of Béarn, Gaston VII Moncade in the 13th century and Gaston III of Foix Béarn (or Fébus) in the 14th century. From this rich past, it preciously and proudly preserves many fortifications and listed sites which, in contact with rich (and exotic) vegetation, offer a real postcard image. The beauty of the site, especially on the banks of the gave, is accompanied by a very special atmosphere, conducive to meditation for some, meditation for others.

In the heart of the Medieval City of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, The 12th-13th century Saint-André church is part of a set of impressive fortifications intended to protect the city. Fortified at the base with its walkway 27m above the ground, it monitored arrivals from the Gave below because you are at the door of Béarn, kingdom of Gaston Fébus. Today completely restored from the inside, and classified as a historic monument, it is proud to present its paintings and its magnificent choir. From the church, a beautiful walk is offered to you to discover the history of the city. The banks of the Gave are a few dozen steps to reach the Gave below and admire the view of the upper town. In addition, the shops around allow you to taste our small local specialties, and there is something for everyone (Charrier chocolates, Ihidoy ham ...).

The Sahouret Farm, located in Sauveterre-de-Béarn, is the representative of good gastronomy in the South West. Here, the animals are raised in the open air, chickens, ducks, Blonde d'Aquitaine ..., producing safe products, fine in the mouth and of very good quality. The sale is made at the property, advised by the daughter of the house, Caroline.

Visit with your smartphone the Medieval City of Sauveterre de Béarn using the flash code affixed to the window of the Tourist Office.... from the ramparts to the Glère island. An excellent way to discover at your own pace all the little secrets of the city by strolling freely through its charming shady streets full of history. Here, old stones rub shoulders with nature and offer you an enchanting setting for a visit.

It is at the foot of the ramparts of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, very close to the Gave d'Oloron, that you can enjoy three tables and benches for a lunch, a snack or a break with family or friends. Only the waves of the river and the singing of the birds will disturb this little moment of relaxation. And, in order to preserve this nature so present around you, dustbins are at hand. The car park is such that you will have no difficulty in finding a place! The beauty of the site means that you will be divided between a visit to the medieval city so rich in monuments, a walk along the water and on the small island in the middle of the gave, a hike ... or just lazing around on the deckchairs in the tea garden across the street accompanied by a homemade pastry and a good tea.

The Arsenal is located at the gateway to the medieval town of Sauveterre-de-Béarn. This is a place steeped in history, with ramparts, fortified gates and an arsenal as its backdrop. The warm welcome you receive will convince you to come in for a drink, a snack or a good meal. The emphasis is on traditional cuisine and local produce. So it's in a light-filled dining room that you can savour South-Western cuisine alongside regular Sauveterrians, day-trippers and Compostela pilgrims.

A medieval village, that of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, nestled on the heights with the Pyrenees as a backdrop, here is the setting chosen by the restaurant La Légende. The site is atypical in this old bistro of 1900, all in length, where friendliness seems to be the watchword. The kitchen in the center, is an invitation to exchange, discover, observe the passionate and respectful work of Laura and Allistair having at heart to highlight in the heart of the plate, the vegetable, fruit of the work of local producers. Plates to share with others or to taste solo, accompanied (or not) by natural local wines, such is the menu every day. Simple coffee and tea lovers, whether morning or afternoon, will also appreciate this warm atmosphere inside or on the sunny terrace.

In the heart of the medieval town of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, a stone's throw from the many historical remains, the Auberge du Cheval Blanc is waiting for you to discover the specialities of our region Well seated inside, with a warm decor made of exposed stone, or on the terrace to enjoy the birdsong and our sunny days, you will be tempted by our traditional cuisine or by our homemade pizzas. What could be better than a little stroll through the narrow streets of the Medieval City to digest this good meal. Take advantage of the banks of the Gave which will lead you to the Ile de la Glère, to meditate, listen to the waves of the Gave and observe the abundant vegetation around.

Ideally located in the heart of the medieval city of Sauveterre, the Bar de la Mairie offers delicious lunch and dinner dishes made with fresh produce. The shaded terrace overlooking the central village square offers an animated view of the place. Whether for a coffee, a drink or a meal, your hosts welcome you with conviviality and advise you with great pleasure on all the curiosities to discover in the region.

At the foot of the ramparts of the Medieval City of Sauveterre, and lulled by the sound of the waves of the Gave d'Oloron at the end of the garden, Sally Johnson invites you to lounge on her deckchairs to enjoy ice cream, cakes in this pleasant setting all day , smoothies, organic drinks and others. You can bring your picnic there provided you have a drink on site. The youngest can let off steam on the children's playground, the rest try their hand at badminton, board games ... From this place, you will be tempted by a small swim in the Gave or by a stroll on the Isle of Glère or through the alleys steeped in history of Sauveterre. The more athletic will embark on a whitewater descent or will tease the fish.

On the road to Bayonne, just 2 km from the Medieval City of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, the Auberge Blondain is the ideal address for discovering the local specialties of the region. A warm family atmosphere awaits you. After the meal, a short walk through the alleys of the Medieval City of Sauveterre and its banks of the Gave will be an opportunity to appreciate more the charms of the Béarn des Gaves. Here, old stones and nature offer you a wide choice of activities both sporting (fishing, whitewater, hiking) and cultural.

In 2017 Gaëtan and Chloé took over the reins of the Chortaya hostel, located in the heart of the village of Arbouet. They offer traditional wood-fired cuisine, prepared with fresh, seasonal produce, and tapas at weekends. Baptisms, receptions, aperitif dinners, family or group meals, you can reserve a room for your events The establishment also offers a gîte with jacuzzi.

The restaurant at the Mignaburia Farm in Arberats-Sillègue offers traditional cuisine with local products. It is possible to eat on the spot or to take the dishes away. In summer, you can enjoy a sunny terrace with a breathtaking view of the mountains. The farm also offers the sale of charcuterie with free-range pigs.

Before or after a visit to the magnificent Château de Laàs estate, or just passing through the village, take advantage of the privileged setting of the Bistrot du Château for a bite to eat. On sunny days, you can enjoy salads, croque-monsieur and other dishes of the day in the shade of the hundred-year-old magnolia tree. Planks of cold meats and plates of local cheeses are the perfect accompaniment to an aperitif. Children will love the tasty snacks on offer, as well as the garden to stretch their legs. On cooler or rainy days, you can warm up with warm dishes in the dining room.

In the heart of the charming little Bearnese village of Laàs, the Auberge de la Fontaine, a country inn offers cuisine inspired by the region, the suppliers, the seasons, traditional and with great suggestions, all accompanied by an interesting selection of regional and whole French wines. This is a relaxing setting, ideal for enjoying the specialties concocted by Jean Luc in the kitchen and served proudly by his wife Suzie.

The Camping du Gave site is ideally located at the feet of the medieval Sauveterre-de-Béarn city walls and on the bank of the Gave d'Oloron (Oloron mountain stream), where anglers will be able to fish salmonids or sportlers can practice all kind of white-water activities. There are many trees on the site that guarantee campers shade and coolness all through the summer. The campsite offers a direct access to the Ile de la Glère, natural site considered as Sauveterre's 4th monument. The campsite has been labelled by the Pyrénées Atlantiques Department for fishing activities. The manager of the camping, M. Chrestia has a sound knowledge in all angling related matters and organizes many activities to entertain the campers throughout their stay.

A privileged location overlooking the Gave d'Oloron, a breathtaking view of the Medieval City, the rooms of the Pont de la Légende guarantee calm, relaxation and well-being. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms for 2 to 5 people, each overlooking the water. On the ground floor, a large, welcoming living room with its fireplace awaits you for a small television evening, a moment of discussion sharing with your hosts or other holidaymakers comfortably seated on the sofa. From the terrace perhaps you will be tempted by a game of boules on the boules court, or would like to know more about this magnificent site and its great history, its legends such as that of the Bridge in front of you ... Hiking, whitewater, fishing the choice is great with the Gave at the foot of your accommodation.

Located in the center of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, a stopover town on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, this accommodation offers a well-deserved rest after a rather sportive day of walking from Orthez. Simple rooms, small shops nearby. The house La Tour offers rooms for hikers and cyclists on their way to Compostela on the way to Vézelay (GR 654).

After a hard day's walk along the Camino de Compostela, you'll find refuge with Jérémy and Enny, right in the heart of Sauveterre-de-Béarn. Their kindness and good humour will almost make you forget the many miles you've travelled. Two bright bedrooms await you upstairs for a restful night's sleep. When the weather is fine, the garden furniture in the courtyard lets you enjoy the fresh air. Microwave and fridge are available for your evening meal, unless you prefer to put your feet under the table in one of the restaurants in the medieval town. Early in the morning, the narrow streets of the Cité will lead you to the bridge over the Gave d'Oloron to continue your journey on the Camino de Compostela.

Patricia, the owner, has fallen in love with this beautiful Béarnaise house. The Salvaterra house opens its doors to you with 5 guest rooms, including 1 family room. Situated in Sauveterre-de-Béarn, in the heart of the Béarn des Gaves region, you can discover both the Béarn and the Basque country. Depending on the weather, breakfast will be served indoors or on the terrace. The little extra: when you return from your walks, you can relax by the swimming pool, sheltered from everyone and in peace and quiet.

In the heart of the Medieval City of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, close to the various shops, this area arranged for 6 pitches, along the large pediment will perhaps allow you to attend a game of Basque pelota in a privileged way without having to move. Here sport is in the spotlight with the tennis courts, not forgetting the rugby stadium 100m away where the show and the atmosphere are guaranteed pure south-western on Sunday afternoon matches! In the early morning, after a short visit to one of our bakeries in the town centre for your croissants, you will be tempted by a short walk through the narrow streets of the old town, the Ile de la Glère and the banks of the Gave d'Oloron.

Located 2 steps from the village center of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, on the road to Salies-de-Béarn, this motorhome service area is equipped for emptying with a water point. From this parking lot, which is only authorized for emptying (the parking lot for the night facing the tennis court, avenue Jean Récapet), you have direct access to the various shops and services in Sauveterre-de-Béarn. A stone's throw from the remains of the Medieval City, you will at any time wander the alleys of the old town or the surroundings of the Gave, witnesses of the rich past of the place and which always offer a majestic panorama of the Pyrenees and the Basque Country.

This little house, between Salies-de-Béarn and Sauveterre-de-Béarn, nestling on the hills of the Béarn region, offers a beautiful view from above on the wooded valleys and on the Pyrénées mountains. Being situated just halfway between both cities, you will have the choice between strolling along the lanes of the medieval Sauveterre-de-Béarn, under the protection of its imposing walls, or relaxing in the hot waters of the thermal baths in Salies-de-Béarn. You can also go on discovering the Béarn des Gavec region (Gave being a name given to Pyrenean mountain streams), the Basque Country and the Pyrénées mountains.

This house, adjoining the owners's one, is situated in the small village of Guinarthe, at the gate of Sauveterre-de-Béarn with all its shops and on the way to the Basque Country. It offers all the needed comfort for pleasant family holiday stays. The courtyard and the garden will allow the children to play outside before trying one of the many activities offered in the Béarn des Gaves (Gave being a name given to Pyrenean mountain streams) : white-waters activities, fishing, hiking, horse-riding, etc.....

Temporarily closed. After crossing the gave (the name given to rivers in the Pyrenees) le Saison, you enter the Basque country at Osserain-Rivareyte, leaving the Béarn behind. Maison Souroste, open only to pilgrims, offers rooms for hikers and cyclists on their way to Compostela on the Vézelay route (GR 654). The rooms are set in a character house with a beautiful garden planted with trees. The owner offers a garage for bikes and carrix.