A short detour to Salies-de-Béarn, the Venice of Béarn

Salies-de-Béarn
Culture and Heritage

Just a few kilometers from the Basque Country but firmly rooted in Béarn, Salies-de-Béarn is a charming town whose architecture is well worth a visit. But that's not all, as the town is also renowned for its salt, thermal baths, green spaces, and saltwater spring. It's a must-see when visiting Béarn !

Salies-de-Béarn, a historic town

It is impossible not to be amazed by the historical richness of Salies-de-Béarn when you set foot there!

The town boasts a strong identity thanks to its rich history centered around salt, but not exclusively. The historic quarter literally winds around the salt spring. During your stroll through the district, you can admire charming houses typical of the 17th and 18th centuries. Take the time to walk along the Saley River, which flows through the entire town and meanders between the pilings of the half-timbered houses: this is why Salies-de-Béarn is nicknamed the Venice of Béarn ! Its charm is undeniable... But Salies has other attractions, notably its thermal baths.

Dating back to 1857, these baths boast one of the saltiest springs in France. Their benefits are numerous (rheumatology, gynecology, developmental disorders in children, etc.). Take a moment to admire the Moorish-style building. A visit to this area offers a true immersion in the Belle Époque. The public garden borders the baths and, thanks to its large trees, provides ample shade. The bandstand and mini-golf course add to the lively atmosphere. Continue your journey. The town's narrow streets lead you to the Salt and Béarn Traditions Museum, where you'll discover its charming alleyways.

Salt, a heritage of the city

The salt spring in Salies-de-Béarn dates back over 200 million years. It has therefore profoundly influenced the course of history in this small town of 4,600 inhabitants, primarily known for its salt. Legend has it that a wild boar was discovered dead after a hunt, lying near a salt spring and remarkably well preserved. It was after this discovery that the town was built around the spring. The boar then became the town's emblem! To best tell this story, the Salt Museum is the perfect place, as it retraces nearly 4,000 years of history. Salies safeguards its treasure, which still belongs today to nearly 500 residents known as the "Part-Prenants" : a corporation of owners of the spring, the thermal baths, two wells, and the Oraàs saltworks, who have passed ownership of these properties down from generation to generation since 1587!

Two other iconic locations in the city are worth a visit.

The Bayaà Crypt is one of the city's most visited sites, located just beneath the main square. It's a mysterious and unusual place, an old open-air well that was covered with a vault in the 19th century. The crypt was completely filled with water and has been drained to allow visitors to explore it. Lighting installations highlight this unique and historically significant site!
The salt marshes, on the edge of town, are another iconic spot not to be missed! Not only can you observe the salt harvest, but a guided tour with information panels and a film retraces the history of this salt, so important to Salies. A well-stocked shop offers a wide variety of gourmet products: salt, Bayonne ham, salted butter caramel, pâtés, and more.

The Salt Museum takes you into the world of salt

Salt harvesting at the saltworks

A vibrant city

Besides its salt and thermal baths, the town is full of places to visit, starting with the Church of Saint Vincent. Its architecture originates from a chapel that already existed in the 11th century. Since then, it has been enlarged, burned down, and then rebuilt in the Flamboyant Gothic style. The altar dates from the 18th century. The half-timbered houses and projecting walls also contribute to the town's charm. A fountain commemorating the town's millennium was erected in 1927. You can also discover the remains of Saint-Pé Castle, right next to the main square. On the Gave d'Oloron river, from Salies-de-Béarn to the Eiffel Bridge in Castagnède, an 8-kilometer greenway follows a former railway line. Ideal for family outings, it is flat and shaded, perfect for a truly relaxing experience!