Béarn

A Region Like No Other

The historic Béarn is the proud neighbor of the Basque Country—with which it shares Département 64 administratively, but from which it is distinctly separate in terms of culture, history, and landscape. Off the beaten path, Béarn reveals a completely unique and authentic character. Characterized by green hills, wild rivers, and the majestic panorama of the Pyrenees, this historic region is a true haven for explorers seeking the unspoiled France.

A highlight of our trip is Salies-de-Béarn, the fascinating “city of salt.” For thousands of years, “white gold” has shaped life here. The historic salt production from the deep, underground thermal springs continues to define the charming architecture with its typical, picturesque houses and tells the region’s very own, centuries-old success story.

Just a short distance away, the medieval Sauveterre-de-Béarn sits majestically on a rocky plateau overlooking the emerald-green Gave d'Oloron. The unobstructed view of the river landscape and the Pyrenees mountain range is simply breathtaking.

The nearby Navarrenx is no less impressive: As one of France’s first bastioned fortified towns, it immediately captivates visitors with its imposing, fully preserved city walls and its history of military defense.