Tardets-Sorholus is a town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 28 km southwest of Oloron-Sainte-Marie.
Its territory of 15 km² extends from 209 to 793 m above sea level, on the right bank of the Cours du Saison, a tributary of the Gave d'Oloron. It is mainly on the edge of the Season that the urbanization of the locality has been concentrated, made up of the rest of several entities, the most important being Tardets.
Culturally and historically, the town belongs to Soule, the smallest of the seven territories that make up the Basque Country.
Concerning its landscapes, the locality is green, with 42% of land covered with forests, 18% of various natural environments and 30% of meadows dedicated to breeding on the hillsides overlooking the river.
It was in 1299, even before the start of the Hundred Years War, that the new town of Tardets was created, a bastide which wants to be faithful to the King of France while the country of Soule is attached to the 'Aquitaine, under English obedience.
The small town was however very affected in 1523 by the troops of Charles V who opposed François Ier.
In its current form, it was in 1859 that Tardets-Sorholus was created, bringing together several old towns and hamlets.
With some 570 inhabitants, turned towards pastoral agriculture (production of ossau-iraty cheeses), Tardets-Sorholus has a heritage of interest (old center of the bastide) and a range of cultural and "nature" leisure activities "which justify a step.
In terms of heritage, in addition to the protohistoric site of the Madeleine, which dominates the village and a votive altar from the 3rd century (now on display at the tourist office) testifying to the Roman presence in the region, it is obviously the old new town of Tardets which constitutes the most beautiful set of the town. The bastide has retained its central square bordered by arcades. It is triangular in shape (and not square) because it was necessary to adapt to the local geography, in this case the course of the Season and its surroundings.
The alleys leading to the square are always visible. Over the centuries, the dwellings have been altered, as have the roadways (but cobbles formed by cobbles are still present). As you walk, you can see magnificent colored facades, carved wooden doors of houses restored in the 18th and 19th centuries (knockers, stair rails, sculpted fields, etc.). Château Daguerre, also in the center, has retained a classic style with balconies and Mansart-style roofs. The alleys leading to the Saison are not lacking in style and picturesque either.
A leaflet with a map allows walkers to discover all these details (sculpted decorations in particular): contact +33 5 59 28 51 28.
Also note the Church of Saint Lucia, built at the end of the 19th century when were brought together the entities of Tardet (town corresponding to the old bastide) and Sorholus (in the form of a village street).
A stele dedicated to the "escapees from France", resistance fighters who joined the Liberation Army via nearby Spain, still deserves attention. It was erected in 2006.
Finally, in terms of heritage again, but also proving to be a hiking goal, the chapel of the Madeleine at the top of the eponymous mountain is worth the detour. Simple in design, on the highest point of the town, it symbolizes a place of pilgrimage frequented assiduously since the Middle Ages. Besides the pilgrims heading towards Compostela, the place was frequented for a long time by young girls looking for a husband and the mentally ill. However, it is now attested that the place was occupied by man since prehistoric times and then that a Roman temple was established there…
The current chapel dates from the 20th century (restored after a storm) but houses two statues of Saint Magdalene. A splendid panorama awaits visitors or pilgrims with views of the peaks of Midi d'Ossau and Midi de Bigorre and the mountains of Haute-Soule.
On the cultural level, in addition to the activities offered by the library (contact on +33 5 59 28 54 79), the Herauskorritxe space is dedicated to Basque mythology. This is approached via a path comprising five thematic modules and combining works of contemporary art, installations, projections and panels (in French and in Basque). The visit lasts approximately 45 minutes. Open every day in July and August, closed on weekends out of season. Free entrance. Information on +33 5 59 28 51 28.
For sports and leisure, the old pediment (for the practice of Basque pelota), the bowling alley and the area set up on the edge of the Season (promenade and picnic) are easily accessible.
In addition, a number of hiking trails (besides the one leading to the chapel) are available, with varying levels of difficulty, limited to the town or allowing to reach the nearby peaks... Unless you prefer follow the banks of the river. In all cases, the green landscape and unspoiled environment are waiting for you. Maps and information on +33 5 59 28 51 28.
