Discover Orthez through its history and crafts: the fortified Vieux Pont, Château Moncade and the Musée Jeanne d’Albret represent different chapters in the city’s story. Tours of two craft workshops show how Basque textiles and berets are made. For your plans, you can choose between historic sites, crafts, an August market, water sports and the city’s links to pilgrimage.
History by the Gave and in the city
In 1242, Gaston VII de Moncade made Orthez the capital of Béarn and the central seat of the Vicomté de Béarn. The Vieux Pont leads into this medieval history: Gaston VII had the fortified bridge built in the 13th century; it was remodelled in the following century. In the Middle Ages, it gave pilgrims and traders a safe way to cross the Gave throughout the year. Today, the Vieux Pont, including its tower, is protected as a French historic monument. Its protected status includes a listing from 1875 and a decree dated January 21, 1942.
The Église Saint-Pierre is also a protected monument, though with its own date of designation: a decree dated March 23, 2012, protects the church in its entirety. Together with the bridge, it shows that Orthez’s historic sites encompass different buildings and histories of protection.
Château Moncade was built in the 13th century by Gaston VII de Moncade and served as the residence of the Vicomtes de Béarn for more than two centuries. Only the keep of the former fortress remains; it is also known as the Tour Moncade. After climbing 141 steps, you can enjoy panoramic views from the summit of medieval Orthez and the Pyrenees mountain range. Access arrangements may change, so check them before your visit.
Museum and crafts
The Musée Jeanne d’Albret is housed in the former Maison de Jeanne d’Albret, a Renaissance mansion dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, designated a Maison des Illustres. The museum focuses on a different subject from individual historic buildings: it explores the history of Béarn and the Pays de l’Adour, from its origins to the 20th century. You can visit the museum independently or join a guided tour; schedules may change, so check them in advance.
Orthez offers a chance to see two different craft processes. Tissage Moutet has produced Basque linen for several generations. Tours introduce the stages involved in making authentic Basque and Jacquard linen: from the initial design and selection of threads to weaving on traditional looms and finishing. Tour schedules may change.
Barnabé, the Manufacture de bérets in the centre of Orthez, makes Basque berets entirely by hand in its local workshop. Tours showcase the craft-making process and technical demonstrations. This brings two distinct products and processes together: Tissage Moutet makes linen using weaving techniques, while Barnabé makes berets by hand. Be sure to check the latest tour schedules here too.
Market, water and the Way of St James
In August, Orthez hosts the Marché des Producteurs de Pays. Products bearing the designation come exclusively from agricultural producers and craft makers. If this market fits your travel plans, check the dates and whether it is taking place in advance; both may change.
Another activity is offered by Orthez Nautique Canoë Kayak on the Gave de Pau: the options include canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and rafting. The activity is seasonal and may change, so it is worth checking before your trip. This gives your stay a different focus from historic sites and craft tours, without conflating the offerings.
The Way of St James also connects Orthez with a history of pilgrimage. It passes through the city centre or runs very close to it. Since 2003, the second floor of the HĂ´tel de la Lune has housed accommodation recognised as a stopover on the Way of St James, welcoming pilgrims passing through Orthez. Before your trip, check that the accommodation and its designation are still current.
Discover more destinations: Castetnau-Camblong, La Bastide-Clairence, Lucq-De-BĂ©arn, HĂ©lette, Lestelle-BĂ©tharram, BĂ©renx, MĂ©racq, Briscous.
For the broader travel overview: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
