Municipality of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in New Aquitaine, Nay takes place in the urban area of Pau, Béarn. Crossed by the Gave de Pau, a tributary of the Adour, it is located not far from Mirepeix, Border or Lagos.
Originally built at the beginning of the 14th century by Marguerite de Moncade then Viscountess of Béarn, Nay suffered a heavy fire in 1381 following the conflict that saw opposing Gaston Fébus and Jean II d'Armagnac. Rebuilt, the city sees the creation of the Royal Manufacture of draperies and dyeing in the sixteenth century. From this time, Nay is enriched and becomes an important commercial and artisan city. Later, it also becomes the cradle of the famous Bearn beret still worn today. Heavily affected by the wars of religion, however, she sees her wool and textile activity continue after the crises of the nineteenth century and still today.
Nay continues to seduce visitors by its architectural and historical heritage, but also by its cultural dynamic that is constantly renewed.
Listed as a Historical Monument, Saint Vincent's Church was built between the 15th and 16th centuries, during the most prosperous period of Nay. It takes place on the remains of a primitive church of the late thirteenth century, which can still admire the west wall with a gate of the first Gothic age. Built under the influence of the Midi Toulousain style, it unveils in particular a large single nave, as well as a brick vault. The steeple, more than thirty meters high, was added in 1520, and the interior has a large number of paintings, statues and furniture registered with the Historical Monuments. St. Vincent Church also has a 17th century baroque organ restored in the mid-2000s.
Also classified as an historic monument, the Maison Carrée, whose real name is Maison Bonasse, dates from the second half of the 16th century. Renaissance style reminiscent of ancient architecture, it reveals interior facades dedicated to galleries reproducing those of the Coliseum of Rome. The inner courtyard is a reminder of the Roman atrium and inside it is possible to admire some vestiges of the decoration of yesteryear that bear witness to ancient splendor, including a fireplace with putti, horns of plenty and grenades. There are still some sculptures on the stairwell, as well as traces of polychrome on the beams. Restored in the 1990s, it now houses an Industry Museum, as well as temporary exhibitions. The site traces the history of textiles to Nay through exceptional collections.
While strolling in the town, you can also admire the town hall of the first half of the nineteenth century, which is originally a large hall on two levels. Nay also has many buildings that bear witness to the rich industry of the past, like the Royal Turkish hats of the late eighteenth century, the factory Vital Gibert known for its large iron hall and glass, or the Berchon plant specializing in woolen activity.
The Beret museum takes place in the oldest part of the Blancq manufacture. Dedicated to the history of this headdress known throughout the country, it presents in particular machines in operation in a building all in brick and glass.
Art lovers will be able to go to the Minoterie, unique artothèque of the department installed in an old industrial building before going to admire the wash house restored in the 19th century.
Walking through the ancient center of Nay, it is possible to discover many houses from the late eighteenth and nineteenth century, including door lintels and carved windows.
To relax, head to the pool and fitness area accessible in the city.
