The capital of Béarn for two centuries, the town of Orthez, whose history was shaped by famous figures such as Gaston VII of Moncade, Gaston Phoebus and Jeanne d'Albret, boasts a fine architectural heritage, from the picturesque Old Bridge (Pont Vieux) on the Gave de Pau to the imposing Moncade Tower, through the elegant house of Jeanne d'Albret.
A relic of the fortress built in the 13th century by Gaston VII Moncade, the Moncade Tower, perched in the heights of Orthez, has a terrace with a superb view of the roofs of the old town and the surrounding area. A sound and light model telling the story of the castle fort, as well as an exhibition on the medieval life and history of Gaston Phoebus, complete the tour of the keep.
On the way back down towards the mountain stream or gave, be sure to stop by the house of Jeanne d'Albret. This house built in the 15th and 16th centuries is now home to a museum about the history of Protestantism in Béarn.
And if you want to stock up on fresh produce, don't miss the traditional market which takes place on Tuesday mornings from La Moutète to Place Saint-Pierre!
