Perched on a gentle promontory above the rushing waters of the Gave d'Oloron, the medieval town of Sauveterre-de-Béarn not only has a remarkable architectural heritage, but also a wonderful natural environment...
This particularly harmonious scene can be admired from the picturesque Legend Bridge (Pont de La Légende). A listed Historical Monument, of which an arch and a fortified gate remain, it once played an important role in the defence of the town. Take the time to soak up the atmosphere at this wonderful site, admiring the view of the Gave d'Oloron surrounded by greenery, the Monréal Tower, the bell-tower of the Church of St Andrew and the walls of Sauveterre-de-Béarn.
There are also beautiful views from the heights, and more specifically from the terrace of the church, where you can admire a relaxing, verdant landscape overlooked by the Pyrenees in the distance... Near the viewpoint, the fortified church built in the 12th and 13th centuries is worth visiting for its tympanum and carved capitals. Another landmark in the village, the mighty Monreal tower, is a former keep standing 33 metres tall, built in the 12th century to protect the town.
A trip to Sauveterre-de-Béarn is also an opportunity to go canoeing-kayaking, fishing or stroll along the educational trail at Glère Island, a classified Sensitive Natural Area.
At the gates of the Béarn, on the edge of the Basque Country, built on a rocky spur, Sauveterre whose name comes from "saveté" was born around the eleventh century. Refuge for the population under the protection of the clergy at first, it was one of the main boroughs of Béarn thanks to two great viscounts, Gaston VII Moncade in XIIIe century then Gaston Fébus in the XIVe s. The town also enjoyed great prosperity until the 16th century, as witnessed by its numerous fortifications and vestiges (Eglise Saint-André, Monreal Tower, Pont de la Légende, Maison Forte...).
Today Sauveterre is the meeting place for lovers of old stones but also white-water (canoeing, rafting), fishing (trout, salmon) and hiking. The city is also known as the birthplace of the Blonde d'Aquitaine breed, an animal that it celebrates every year on the 3rd weekend of August.
To visit: Sauveterre, the Monreal tower. In the majestic setting of the tower Monreal, we let ourselves go in the thirteenth to the sixteenth century medieval Béarn, thanks to modern scenic design and playful. In the center, the rebuilding of the city, made of thousands of stones, beams, joists 100th, calibrated and meetings, invites to discover all around, spaces dedicated to the heyday of Sauveterre-de-Béarn, heritage, history of Béarn, Navarre, France...
At the foot of the ramparts, in the middle of the Gave, Island Glère offers a magnificent view of the upper town. Classified Sensitive Natural Area and followed by the NFB, it features a rather unique flora for the place (wild poplars, foliicolous lichens, large buxaie the heart of the island...). There, only the sound of birds and Gave waves are heard. The ideal place to soak your feet for a picnic lunch or a nap...
Many activities are offered on Sauveterre: the white water (canoeing, rafting), fishing (salmon, trout), hiking, horseback riding, Terrà Aventura...
