Visit the most beautiful villages of Béarn

Morlanne
Culture and Heritage

Lovers ofcultural toursand picturesque walks always wonder what are the pretty villages to visit in a destination? On vacation in Béarn, here are the most charming villages to visit. Non-exhaustive and subjective ranking, in alphabetical order so as not to be jealous! And you, what are your favorite villages?

Accous

It is the capital of the Canton of Aspe Valley, located near the Gave d'Aspe. It is a bird conservation area, don't forget your binoculars and a book to identify them! Accous is nestled at the exit of the Iseye circus and here, nature is generous and sumptuous. Come with your hiking boots and venture out in search of the last (or first?) Bears in the Pyrenees. Pastoralism is a very useful activity here, which contributes to the preservation of biodiversity. Accous is a popular spot for paragliding, maybe it's time to baptize?

A great idea: Visit Accous in the Aspe Valley and fall in love with its exceptional setting.

Plateau de lhers près d'Accous

Borce

In the Aspe Valley, Borce is a very pretty little village! It is appreciated for its natural environment, a small charming heritage and a nearby animal park: Parc'Ours ( read our article about the park )

Borce and its surroundings are interesting places to spend a sporting holiday. You are not far from Col de Barrancq, Col d'Arras and Fort du Portalet: a military building installed on the side of a rock, which was a prison during the Second World War.

Borce @Lesley Williamson

Lacommande

At the heart of the Jurançon vineyard, Lacommande is a small town founded in the 12th century by Gaston IV le Croisé. Lac fulfillment was the starting point for the founding of the Aubertin commandery. Visit its Romanesque church and its classified hospital, as well as the commandery (property of the Departmental Council) which offers free tours with educational audioguides (such as the sound and light trail). Also discover the Maison des Vins, which will show you all the diversity of Jurançons wines, in the village.

Take the Jurançon wine tourist route between Monein and Lacommande.

Lacommande

Laruns

Laruns is located in the Ossau Valley, it is a must see! A large town which ranges from 500 to 2974m above sea level at Pic Palas. It is crossed by the Gave d'Ossau and only 40 km from Pau, it is a popular destination for summer weekends. Discover its pretty alleys, with built heritage of quality. Laruns is attached to the Béarnaise culture that is celebrated on August 15. In the village, admire the Chapelle de Gabas, the Saint Pierreu church, the small washhouses and fountains. The old houses as well as the station, date from the period of hydrotherapy, where in the XIXth century, the Pyrenean destinations were very famous. Laruns is the starting point for several hikes, including joining the Lac de Bious-Artigues (1400m) and its colors changing with the seasons and the weather.

The good addresses of the Guide of Béarn in Laruns:

Meeting at the Tourist Office to organize your stay
Régis Carrère makes you discover his pure sheep cheese from the Ossau Valley, visit the farm and stock up on a delicious regional product
To accommodate you, the Camping des gaves offers superb little cabins in a green setting, there are also mobile homes and chalets
Are you more a guesthouse? or Gîtes? In the mountains, you will have all the necessary comfort at this address!
Have you always dreamed of canyoning? What a wonderful way to enjoy this generous nature in the Ossau Valley! Experience Canyon awaits you and its entire team of state-certified guide instructors are there to accompany you in complete safety.

Laruns © AdobeStock-Lukasz-Janyst

Lescun

In the Aspe Valley, Lescun is known for its location on the GR10, as well as for its magnificent Lescun circus. It is the highest town in the Atlantic Pyrenees, with an altitude of 900m. If you love hiking, this is where you will spend your vacation, as several routes lead you to emerald mountain lakes in breathtaking natural surroundings. Also take a stroll through the typically mountain village with its stone houses with a steep slate roof, its small narrow streets and its fountains.

The Guide du Bearn advises you to book a stay at Pic d'Anie in Lescun, two furnished cottages perfect for exploring the Aspe Valley.

Lescun © AdobeStock_Roger

Morlanne

The medieval village of Morlanne is organized around its 14th century fortified castle, the Château de Morlanne. The village around the castle as well as the church and its surroundings will be fortified by Gaston Fébus during the Hundred Years War. The well-flowered streets of the village are today a testimony to the past, with beautiful typical Béarnaise houses, a fortified church from the 13th century and the Saint-Laurent church, founded in the 10th century. Visit The Belluix house, a noble house with a lively interior courtyard, it is listed as a historic monument and belongs to the town.

For good lunch or dinner:

Le Lutrin Gourmand, a tea room perfect for a break after a busy day

Navarrenx, one of the most beautiful villages in France

Navarrenx and its fortifications are part of the association of the most beautiful villages in France, it is also a "green station". You will not be mistaken! In the heart of Béarn, it overlooks the Gave d'Oloron. Navarrenx is also a city full of history, with a rich military past, as evidenced by the ramparts and the Saint Anthony gate. Read our article on Navarrenx

Advice from the Béarn Guide:

Taste delicious products from Béarn at local producers' farms
Book a table at the restaurant to enjoy delicious specialities
Spend a pleasant night in Navarrenx in a guest room, lodge or farmhouse.
Settle down in the heart of nature at a campsite
Visit a farm or agricultural business before moving on to the tasting

Photo @ Lesley WIlliamson

Salies-de-Bearn

Thanks to its salt water source, Salies-de-Bearn has become the City of Salt and a renowned thermal spa! We even nickname it the Venice of Béarn… Be charmed by its houses on stilts, its small alleys, fountains and the Place du Bayaa. Do not forget to visit the Salt Museum, which will teach you all about the uses of the waters of the region. Do you offer a moment of relaxation at the thermal baths or at the Casino and why not a mini-golf? If you come in September, it's the salt festival, not to be missed under any circumstances.

We recommend visiting local producers to sample salt, foie gras and delicious charcuterie in Salies-de-Béarn and the surrounding area.

Sarrance

In the Aspe valley, Sarrance is a place of pilgrimage on Via Tolosane on the road to Santiago de Compostela and enjoys an interesting religious heritage such as a 17th century cloister and a chapel from the end of the 18th century . In the town, the Sarrance Monastery (of Saint-Norbert) is a haven of peace that regularly welcomes the faithful.

Sarrance is part of the Aspe Valley, one of the three Pyrenean valleys.

Sarrance ©AdobeStock_AngelLuis

Sauveterre-de-Bearn

Pretty little perched medieval city dating from the 11th century, it is pleasant to walk there to admire its remains at the foot of the Gave d'Oloron. It is located on the Vézelay road and its natural environment makes it very attractive for a stay in Béarn. Walk towards the Saint-André church (the terrace enjoys a beautiful panorama), classified as a historic monument, go see the Legend Bridge, also classified which overlooks the turquoise river, there is only one arch left and a door, it is an old defensive element of the city. Sauveterre-de-Béarn is surrounded by ramparts and you can also appreciate the 33m high Monréal Tower, an old dungeon ... Continue to the Isle of Glère in front of the village, with an educational stroll. In a wilderness in the middle of nature (accessible by a bridge near the campsite)

The Bearn Guide recommends these addresses: