Visit Orthez
Political and administrative capital of Béarn, long before Pau in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64), visit Orthez, a town whose history was shaped by immortal men and women such as Gaston VII of Moncade, Gaston Phoebus and Jeanne d’Albret.
22.5 km from Camping Béarn Beau Rivage, a visit to Orthez takes you to discover surprising medieval and architectural heritage, from the picturesque Pont Vieux to the imposing Moncade Tower, via the graceful house of Jeanne d’Albret…
The Pont Vieux
Overlooked by the Moncade Tower atop the hill, the stone bridge over the Gave de Pau (the river) is undoubtedly the most impressive sight of the town when you visit Orthez. Dating from the 13th century, the bridge links the town centre to its Départ suburb.
This fortified bridge is one of the rare crossing points in the border area that allows pilgrims to walk the way of Santiago de Compostela and to carry goods at any time of year.
The Pont Vieux has been featured on the emblem of the town of Orthez since the 13th century and remains a symbolic monument to this day. During your visit to Orthez, you’ll have the chance to spot various interesting medieval houses from its end.
The Moncade Castle
North of Orthez town centre, the pentagonal tower called the Moncade Tower is all that remains of the castle that once stood here.
An unmissable stop on a visit to Orthez, Moncade dates from the Middle Ages, a deeply troubled period that pushed lords to build fortified castles. So in 1242, Gaston VII, lord of Béarn, decided to build a castle on the heights of Orthez. He named it Moncade in memory of his grandfather, originally from Moncada, a small town in Spain near Barcelona.
Perched on high, the tower has a terrace offering a panorama over the Béarn countryside, the rooftops of the old town and the surroundings. So don’t hesitate to pause for a coffee during your visit to Orthez and take in this view that unfolds before you.
The Jeanne d’Albret Museum
Heading back down towards the gave, don’t miss stopping at the Museum of the House of Jeanne d’Albret, an emblem and highlight of the town that you won’t miss on your visit to Orthez. This stone townhouse in Renaissance style from the 16th century was acquired by Jeanne d’Albret when she became Queen of Navarre.
Today, it is a museum of Protestantism explaining the history of the Béarn region. A place where all collections illustrate the strong values that drive Béarnese Protestants, such as education, tolerance, freedom of conscience and secularism.
The Orthez beach
Orthez is not just a land of history; it’s also a place for leisure, fishing and sport… If you’re in Béarn for your holidays, enjoy a walk around Lake Orthez-Biron and for more thrills, also discover the aquatic activities of the most beautiful lakes in Béarn here.
In the heart of Béarn, between Orthez and Biron, Lake Orthez-Biron, with its lively yet pleasant swell, offers a range of activities: water sports, walking circuit, water skiing, pedal boats, canoeing, picnic area and restaurant. A fascinating fine sandy beach nestles there, with an island-like feel in the heart of nature — a place that has remained clean and natural. This leisure centre is simply astonishing!
What are you waiting for to visit Orthez? This town of character on a human scale, built around the gave. A place of relaxation, tourism and discovery. The view along the river to the bridge is very beautiful and the town is pleasant for a stroll if you’re in the area.
