Orthez: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

History and Architectural Heritage

Orthez became the capital of Béarn in 1242, when Gaston VII de Moncade made the town the central seat of the Viscountcy of Béarn. The Château Moncade was built in the 13th century by Gaston VII de Moncade and served as the residence of the Viscounts of Béarn for more than two centuries. The keep of the Château Moncade, also known as the Tour Moncade, is the only surviving part of the former fortress. After climbing 141 steps, the summit of the Château Moncade offers panoramic views of medieval Orthez and the Pyrenees mountain range.

The fortified Vieux Pont was built by Gaston VII de Moncade in the 13th century and remodelled in the following century. In the Middle Ages, it enabled pilgrims and goods traffic to cross the Gave safely all year round. The Vieux Pont, including its tower, has been protected as a French historic monument by its listing in 1875 and by the decree of 21 January 1942. The Église Saint-Pierre has been protected in its entirety as a French historic monument by a decree dated 23 March 2012.

Museums and Crafts

The Musée Jeanne d’Albret is located in the former Maison de Jeanne d’Albret, a Renaissance mansion dating from the 15th and 16th centuries that has been designated a Maison des Illustres. It is entirely dedicated to the history of Béarn and the Pays de l’Adour from its origins to the 20th century. The museum offers both self-guided visits and guided tours.

Tissage Moutet in Orthez is a family workshop where Basque linen has been made for several generations. Guided tours present every step in the production of genuine Basque and Jacquard linen – from the initial design to completion, including the selection of threads and weaving on traditional looms.

Barnabé, the Manufacture de bérets in the centre of Orthez, makes Basque berets entirely by hand in its on-site workshop. Tours at Barnabé showcase the complete artisanal production process and technical demonstrations.

Pilgrimage Route and Water

Since 2003, the second floor of the Hôtel de la Lune has housed a certified stopover accommodation on the Way of St James, welcoming pilgrims passing through Orthez. The Way of St James passes through Orthez city centre or runs very close to it.

Orthez Nautique Canoë Kayak offers canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and rafting on the Gave de Pau.

Culinary Delights

In August, Orthez hosts the Marché des Producteurs de Pays; the labelled produce comes exclusively from agricultural and artisanal producers.

Those who choose Orthez as their destination can find a holiday apartment.

More destinations in the directory: Ledeuix, Orsanco, Orriule, Bidache, Maslacq, Saint-Étienne-De-Baïgorry, Issor, Assat.

To the higher-level travel overview: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.