Charming village of New Aquitaine, Lestelle-Bétharram is located in the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, about twenty-five kilometers from the city of Pau.
Located in the heart of Béarn, this town is an old country house created in the first half of the fourteenth century by Gaston II de Foix. It is best known for being a place of pilgrimage very important for many centuries because of the appearance of the Virgin who would intervene to save drowning a girl from the town by lowering a "beautiful branch" ("Beth Arram" in Bearn) at his fingertips. Bernadette Soubirous was thus a great adept of places before her own visions of the Virgin Mary.
Always very rural, the municipality of Lestelle-Bétharram is also an important tourist site in the region, especially because of its architectural heritage of great interest.
The religious heritage of Lestelle-Bétharram is of great wealth. Walking through the town, you can appreciate the charm of the church of St. John the Baptist of the eighteenth century whose furniture is almost entirely classified Historical Monument. Built in the 17th century, the Notre-Dame chapel is worth a visit, as is the Saint-Michel-Garicoïts chapel from the beginning of the 20th century.
The chapel of Betharram is full of objects classified as historical monuments such as statues or furniture. Rebuilt in the mid-nineteenth century, the Calvary Way of the Cross is composed of 15 chapels stations all different and baroque style. Unique in Bearn, this Way of the Cross (under restoration until 2020, some stations are likely to be closed to the public by then), including bas-reliefs of the cycle of Passion sculpted by Alexandre Renoir.
The museum of the Congregation of the Fathers of Lestelle-Bétharram traces the history of the town over the centuries through various objects accumulated over time. There are collections ranging from prehistory to modern times.
To discover on foot, by boat or small train, the caves of Betharram are on the border between the departments of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrenees. The time of an underground journey of nearly three kilometers, you can appreciate this site open to the public since the early twentieth century.
In the center of the village or on the slopes, you can appreciate old houses and farms of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. To get high on the village and discover the natural landscapes, go to the town hall or the campsite to recover free of charge the map and the booklet allowing you to practice the orientation course (several levels proposed).
Finally, for an immersion at a time when Lestelle-Bétharram was one of the 3 most visited sanctuaries in France, download the Heritage on Walk app (free, a public WiFi connection is available on Place Saint Jean to help you, the departure is located a few steps away). During your walk, once the application is launched, you will hear testimonials from people, information about the places you come across and find out thanks to the words of the people who knew them best.
Two providers of whitewater (OhlalaEauxVives and Evasi'eaux) are located on the edge of the Gave de Pau in the town of Montaut towards Lourdes. Experienced river guides will coach you for the activity of your choice (rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed and many other options).
In the town of Montaut but this time in the heart of the village, you will discover a heritage trail to discover the history especially industrial of this country house very related to that of the sanctuaries of Betharram (manufacture of rosaries of boxwood, stationery founded by the brothers of Betharram...). A sculptor, Christian Delacoux, is located in the central square in the immediate vicinity of the church and offers you a free visit of his gallery.
The Rucher du Mourle is slightly out of the town and offers in the afternoons in the afternoon a visit under cover explaining the life cycle of a hive, the craft of beekeeper and a hive under glass to see everything, a tasting of honey closes this visit (2 € per person, tasting included).
Located not far from the town of Lestelle-Bétharram, the Asson Zoo welcomes the whole family in its exotic ark, an informative visit and including many spaces in contact with animals. Zoo open every day of the year.
The castle of Coarraze, a private historical monument, is open to visitors during the months of July and August as well as during the European Heritage Days. Paid visit allowing the maintenance of the site.
