Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse is a town in the Landes, in the region of New Aquitaine, on the edge of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, 20 km north-east of Bayonne.
Located on the right bank of the Adour, the territory of the locality is the Pays de Gosse, former barony whose lands, bordering the stream, were facing the Basque Country.
In fact, the town is composed of two distinct parts: the "barthes", farmland but floodable along the river, and hillsides that dominate where the village has developed.
In addition to agricultural production centered on the breeding of fat poultry, the history of the locality is closely linked to that of the Adour, a major commercial axis (until the inter-war period) through which goods destined for export via Basque ports or "going up" the price to supply the domestic poles of the region with imported products.
A port was also located on the neighboring town of Urt.
Appreciated by the noble families of the coast who built pleasure castles, the town has preserved a heritage of quality and its environment will delight hikers. Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse (about 600 inhabitants) is a pleasant stage between the Landes forest, Basque coast and Pyrenees.
A discovery of the heritage of the village can begin with its church Saint-Laurent whose Romanesque bases date from the thirteenth century. Although strongly reworked in the late nineteenth century, there are elements of interest as a keystone decorated with the coat of arms of the Black Prince (became Duke of Aquitaine in 1363). The bell tower-wall pierced with bays campanaires, a tower of hors d'oeuvre equipped with loopholes, a roof with long sides covered with hollow tiles at the level of the nave still characterize this church formerly endowed with a cloister where were raised a school then the town hall.
Several castles also mark the village or its surroundings. The most imposing is that of Roll-Montpellier, the name of merchants bayonnais, built during the first third of the eighteenth century. Residence of pleasure, the building consists of a main building flanked by two pavilions and opens on the Adour via a terrace and a paved path. Communes were added in the 19th century. Private property is partly classified, but it does not visit. It can however be admired during a walk or hike.
The castle Lagurgue (XVI), former noble house that belonged to a financial Bayonne and which was the residence of the Marshal of Exelmans (1775-1852) and the castle Bellocq, in the center of the village, which preserved a medieval dungeon, of charming homes and farms of traditional architecture complete this overview. However, there are still old mills in the plain adjoining the river and the bridge designed in 1886 by Eiffel which spans the Adour and joined Urt.
In terms of sports and recreation, the town has a wall and a room dedicated to Basque pelota (information on +33 5 59 56 31 08). In addition, an outdoor paintball center is accessible, respecting nature: the refuges are wooden and the paintballs biodegradable (information at +33 6 36 97 16 87).
For hikers, Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse is on the GR8 route linking Saint-Brévin-les-Pins near Nantes to Sare, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. On the territory of the town, it allows to join the Adour since the village.
Other tours are available that include incursions to the Basque Country or "go back" to the north and the Landes forest, staked in both cases of gourmet breaks (duck farms, producers of foie gras...). Maps and information on +33 5 59 45 19 19.
Finally, for fishermen, the Adour obviously reserves some nice surprises and prime locations. Inquire at +33 5 58 73 43 79.
In early August, patronal feast with gourmet meal and musical entertainment.
Deconcerto | Danse, Mime, Musique
- On 24 may 2024
- Centre village, Mur à gauche
- In the middle of a performance, a young violinist loses control of his body and decides to do as he pleases. Doubt, demotivation and finally abandonment follow. Despite the support of his friend, he abandons the violin to console himself in the arms of a beautiful dancer. Encouraged by those close to him, he eventually regained his motivation and took up his instrument again. He perseveres, works, improves, and performs again in public, this time with the certainty that he belongs. Humor, dance, music, poetry, nothing is missing in this modern tale, enchanting with its delicacy. - Ages 5 and up. RDV at 9pm. Running time : 1h15. - Pre-sale online or at the ticket office (single tickets or passes for 4,6 or 8 shows).
Saint-Laurent-de-Gosse is part of the Community of Municipalities of Seignanx, an entity composed of 8 municipalities Landes, only a river separates the Basque Country. Its location is ideal for exploring these 2 departments with Bayonne, Biarritz, Hossegor, Capbreton, the Land of Orthe ... less than 20 km.
