In Mauléon-Licharre, historic buildings meet the history of espadrille craftsmanship. Highlights include the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Haute-Ville, the Château de Maytie dit d’Andurain, and the workshops where visitors can learn more about how espadrilles are made. When planning your visit, it is worth taking the time of year into account: tours and workshop visits are available during set periods, and the Espadrille Festival also takes place on a specific day.
Castles, Chapels and Historic Houses
The history of the Vieux Château de Mauléon includes a defining moment: the castle was demolished in 1642 by order of Louis XIII. The rampart walk offers visitors sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Performances take place in or at the Vieux Château every summer; check which events are scheduled for your travel dates.
At the Château de Maytie dit d’Andurain, architectural history comes together with a specific visitor offering. Pierre de Maytie had the château built at the end of the 16th century. Seasonal tours run at different times: from 1 to 14 July, they take place daily at 3 and 4:30 p.m. From 15 July to 20 September, they take place daily except Sundays at 10:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Check the schedule again before your visit.
The Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Haute-Ville dates from the end of the 14th century. Its distinctive features include a triple-bell tower typical of Soule and a Baroque altarpiece dedicated to the life of the Virgin Mary. Other buildings also offer glimpses into different periods: the Maison de la Fée was built in the 15th century and is one of the oldest townhouses in Mauléon-Licharre; the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste was consecrated in 1885.
La Croix Blanche is a marble column at the former meeting place of the judges of the former court of Licharre. The Chapelle de Berraute reflects the town’s pilgrimage history: it provided pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela with accommodation or medical care at the adjoining hospital. The chapel probably dates from the 11th century and belonged to a commandery dependent on the Order of Malta. These details refer to its historical function.
Espadrille Craftsmanship and Local History
Every year on 15 August, the Espadrille Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Place des Allées. A working espadrille-making workshop is recreated there: espadrille makers work on site and explain their craft and expertise. Tastings and sales of regional products are also available throughout the day. The programme and offerings may change from year to year, so check the dates and details for the year of your trip.
Espadrilles can also be explored from different perspectives outside the festival. At the Espadrilles Don Quichosse workshop, visitors can discover the company’s espadrilles; the workshop also serves as a museum. Self-guided visits to the production workshop are possible from May to September. Centuries-old machines bear witness to the company’s history. Check the current visitor arrangements before your visit.
The Lespartina workshop makes espadrilles entirely by hand. The methods developed by the founder of Maison Prodiso are faithfully reproduced. A 20-minute explanatory video about the history and production of espadrilles is also shown on site. Group visits are available by prior reservation.
The Maison du Patrimoine complements these insights into craftsmanship with a permanent exhibition on the development of the espadrille and the industrialists who had a significant influence on Mauléon-Licharre. The exhibition also covers the Hirondelles: young women from Spain who came to work in the workshops in winter from the end of the 19th century onwards. The Maison du Patrimoine can be visited as part of a self-guided tour; check the current visitor arrangements in advance.
Pyrenean Setting and Travel Planning
Mauléon-Licharre lies in the Pyrenees at the foot of Pic d’Orhy, which is 2,017 metres high. If you want to include cultural history and scenery in your travel plans, you will find both as distinct aspects of the town: its buildings and workshops tell the story of its past and crafts, while the rampart walk at the Vieux Château looks out over the surrounding hills.
For a visit in July or August, you can weigh up the seasonal tours at the Château de Maytie, the summer performances at the Vieux Château and the date of the Espadrille Festival. Workshop visits have their own conditions and time periods.
Discover more destinations: Herrère, Viven, Cette-Eygun, Bayonne, Laruns, Louvie-Juzon, Ogenne-Camptort, Moumour.
For the regional travel overview: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
