Museums in Béarn: from the most intimate to the most gourmet!

In the museums of Béarn, you will discover the vestiges of its 1,000-year history. Traversed by the "Ways of St. James," Béarn boasts a rich religious heritage. Land of the powerful Albret family and birthplace of Henry IV, a lavish court once reigned here. It delighted in surrounding itself with beautiful objects, works of art, and opulent furnishings, some of which have survived to this day. Troubadours fostered a creative and festive atmosphere, conducive to the development of culture and the arts. Located between the Pyrenees, the Landes, and the Gers, Béarn also offers a wealth of local products, renowned gastronomy, ancestral know-how, and traditional, time-honored crafts.

Museums about history

A region's history shapes its character… Understanding the major events and anecdotes of the past will allow you to better grasp the identity of this territory. Visiting museums and certain iconic sites is an immersive experience that lets you delve into the heart of the country !

• The National Museum and Estate of Pau Castle tells the story of the region's iconic figure: Henry IV. He was born at Pau Castle, which has a turbulent history. Furthermore, its Renaissance gardens are representative of the lifestyle of the period.
• Jeanne d'Albret Museum in Orthez: In the house of Jeanne d'Albret, the mother of Henry IV, this museum traces the history of Protestantism in Béarn.
• The Monréal Tower in Sauveterre-de-Béarn: It was one of the key defensive elements of the town against Charles V. It houses an exceptional model of the town !
• Hospital complex in Lacommande: This is a refuge for pilgrims on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago ), which allows you to understand the importance of a commandery. It also houses the Jurançon Wine House.
• Serbat Museum at Laàs Castle : This is not a traditional museum. You enter an 18th century noble house, just as it was inhabited by its owners.
• The Paratroopers Memorial Museum in Pau: Part of the Airborne Troops School (ETAP), it immerses you in the unique world of paratroopers, from their origins during World War II to the present day. It's an engaging museum with displays and a wealth of artifacts.
• Pau Museum of the Resistance and Deportation : It is first and foremost a place of remembrance, so as not to forget the war, the Vichy regime, the deportations, the resistance …

Museums about local life, the environment and culture

Museums about life and trades of the past, customs and traditions, everyday objects or activities, the environment and nature, such as ecomuseums, will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the culture of this territory.

• Ecomuseum of the Aspe Valley, in Sarrance: At once a museum of small rural heritage, sacred art and local history, it takes you to the heart of the Aspe Valley to discover life in Sarrance.
• Navarrenx Interpretation Centre : Here you will find the regional arts and traditions of Navarrenx.
• Bayaà Crypt Museum, in Salies-de-Béarn: Formerly an open-air water-drawing site, it filled with salt water in the 19th century. Rehabilitated, it has been converted into a museum about salt production in the region.
• The Béarn Saltworks Museum Centre : It tells the whole story of salt water in Béarn, from its formation to the present day…
• Gérard Hourugou Museum of Old Tools, in Garlin: There you will admire an exceptional collection of 2500 machines, agricultural and professional tools, everyday objects… and more than 25 trades are presented to you, ancient, forgotten or current…
• " Maison Carrée and the Nay country industry museum : This museum presents the textile industry and cabinetmaking, typical in the Nay country.
• Beret Museum, in Nay: The beret is a traditional hat, made for 200 years in Béarn. Sometimes considered outdated, sometimes fashionable, it's a head covering that never fails to spark debate…
• The Chair Museum in Came: This museum tells a family story. You will discover the craft and traditional manufacturing methods. This expertise continues to this day, and you can even witness the creation of a chair in the adjoining workshop.
• Candau Mill, in Castétis: 16th century watermill, still in operation for the production of wheat flour.
  
  

Art in all its forms

Béarn has a long history, a magnificent environment and authentic inhabitants. This unique atmosphere has inspired many artists.

• Pau Museum of Fine Arts : It is renowned for its collection of Western paintings from the 16th century to the present day.
• Bernadotte Museum, in Pau: Through the collection of Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, you will discover the atypical life of this general of the Revolution, who became Marshal of the Empire, before being appointed King of Sweden and Norway.
•  Orthez Image Art Centre : Photography, video, multimedia, graphic design… the image in all its forms is presented there.
• Lescar Museum : It is an archaeological collection that takes you to the heart of the ancient capital of Beneharnum.
• Museum of the Heritage of the Fathers of Bétharram, in Lestelle: The museum explains this place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin and the missionary purpose of the Fathers of Bétharram.
  

Museums about local gastronomy

One last unmissable category in Béarn: gastronomy, of course! This region is rich in local specialties, and the people of Béarn are renowned for their love of good food and drink. We end on a sweet note with some gourmet museums !

• Foie Gras Museum, in Bénéjacq: Everything about foie gras, in four themes: the terroir, the tables of kings, the agricultural economy, and foie gras as a product. The visit concludes with a tasting.
• Maison des Vins du Jurançon in Lacommande: Within a commandery, you will learn everything about the Jurançon vineyard and how to taste it.
• Maison Barthouil, in Léren: It is a family-friendly and welcoming place to discover wild salmon from the Adour, see smoking techniques and meet the last old-fashioned salmon smoker.
• Salt and Béarn Traditions Museum, in Salies-de-Béarn: Another food preservation technique is presented in this museum filled with the enticing aromas of Bayonne ham and other cured meats. Salt also represents an economy, ancestral know-how, and traditional trades.
• Francis Miot's Museum of Sweet Arts in Uzos: Step inside the home of Francis Miot, " three-time world champion " and " best jam maker in France." It's a true temple of sweet treats, with a playful and whimsical touch. For more information, watch our video report on the Museum of Sweet Arts.

And so, our tour of the museums of Béarn comes to an end. Whatever your area of interest, you are sure to find something to enjoy, whether to broaden your horizons, learn something new, or simply satisfy your curiosity.

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