Lestelle-Bétharram, a bastide with exceptional heritage

Lestelle-Bétharram is a charming bastide founded in 1335, a small village with orthogonal architecture typical of the Middle Ages and an incredible architectural heritage. Crossed by the Gave de Pau, it offers landscapes between river and mountain, a natural panorama of Béarn to discover in the Pays de Nay, south-east of Pau. Church, chapel, cave, history lovers will be amazed by the riches of Lestelle-Bétharram, a country house with an exceptional heritage. Put on your best sneakers and head to the Pays de Nay.

Opening photo: hansgeel AdobeStock

Visit the 18th century Saint-Jean-Baptiste church

This religious heritage has a whole story to tell, especially since originally, the church of Lestelle-Bétharram was not on the central square like today, but on the edge of the Gave terrace, where stands the Castet cross. Washed away by a flood in 1678, the inhabitants desire for a church was the strongest. The construction of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church began in 1679 and ended in 1687. Discover a building with rich, intact decor, where the stained glass windows bathe the nave and choir of the church in a soft light. Balustrade with the curve of Louis 18, marble columns and altarpiece in the Baroque style, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is a testimony of history worth visiting.

Discover the Notre-Dame Chapel of Lestelle-Bétharram

The Notre-Dame Chapel is the church of a people who, in the 17th century, demanded a sanctuary to receive the word of God. Named at the time “ the devout chapel ”, it is surrounded by 4 large marble statues with, in its center, the Virgin Mary who crushes the vicious serpent with her feet. An imposing building, it is made up of an entrance, a central nave, a choir, an altar and side naves, where nature and cherubs are omnipresent. On the columns, around the paintings, in the branche, the cherubs lounge and brighten up the chapel, while the flowers, fruits, bunches of grapes and plants extend over the columns and across the cornices. End your visit with a discovery of the organ case, a magnificent instrument that has stood the test of time.

Explore the Betharram Chapel and its Stations of the Cross

The Notre-Dame Chapel, or Bétharram Chapel, is a place of pilgrimage which continues with an outdoor Stations of the Cross, a path which connects around fifteen stations of sculpture chapels. Each of these stages has its own particularity, between the bas-reliefs by Alexandre Renoir which evoke a pure religious feeling on the first 5 stations, the 7th, the 8th and the 10th. The others reveal a beautiful sculptural group or a glorious Christ, up to the Chapel of the Resurrection which remains an essential burial site. Visit the Chapel of Bétherram and take the Calvary path which offers a lovely view of the valley at the top of the hill, before continuing towards the following stations.

Admire the caves of Bétharram

By little train, on foot or by boat on the underground lake, discover incredible underground life. For thousands of years, drops of water have formed and hollowed out the 5-story Bétharrams caves, a natural spectacle not to be missed in Lestelle-Bétharram. On a 2 km route, admire the room of chandeliers, the magical room and the immense cavities of the room of hell, an essential visit possible since 1903 thanks to Léon Ross who discovered this grandiose cavity in 1819. Live an unusual experience of breathtaking beauty where the depths take you into a world of rock, with an 80-meter chasm and 250 steps. The caves of Bétharram fascinate, and we understand why when we enter this miracle of nature.

Practical information:

• The temperature is a constant 14°C, so remember to bring a sweater or cardigan.
• The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Remember to book your ticket.
• Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the tour for the shuttle bus.
• Address: Chemin Léon Ross, 65270 Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre

Have fun whitewater rafting or kayaking

When the weather permits, most often in the summer, let yourself be tempted by a sporting and fun experience on the white waters of the Gave de Pau. Taking its source in the famous Gavarnie cirque in the Hautes-Pyrénées, it cascades down the mountains to offer fun rapids to tackle by kayak or rafting. Many providers offer you a safe descent, accompanied by competent instructors who take you on the water to discover the magnificent green landscapes which border the river. Fill up on sensations for a day, and don't forget your paddle!

Hiking around Lestelle-Bétharram

Hiking is a popular activity in Béarn, offering hikers magnificent landscapes. Around Lestelle-Bétharram, young and old alike can lace up their boots and set off along the marked trails:

• The Lestelle-Les Bastides walk, which is 10.7 km long and easily manageable in 4 hours on foot.
• The Isarce loop, which is more challenging, with 5 hours of walking over 12.7 km.
• The Montaut-Le Mourle walk, which is of medium difficulty, with 19.2 km over 6 hours of walking

The Pays de Nay, to the east of Béarn, is a destination of choice when you love nature and architecture. Make a stop at Lestelle-Bétharram, a bastide with exceptional heritage which has a few surprises in store for you during your visit.

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