Béarn

The origins of Béarn

Located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in France, Béarn is a historical and cultural region whose name "Béarn" originates from the Latin "Benearnum", meaning "well watered". Although inhabited since prehistoric times, the region developed as a distinctive territory with its own political and economic system during the Middle Ages. Under the leadership of King John I, Béarn acquired the status of an independent kingdom in 1464. This distinct political entity was maintained until the French Revolution, when the region was annexed to France as the department of Pyrenees -Atlantic. The history of Béarn is crossed by illustrious characters such as Gaston Fébus, Jeanne d'Albret, Henri IV.
Today, Béarn is known for its Basque culture, its local gastronomy highlighting specialties such as sheep's cheese, Bayonne ham and Jurançon wine, as well as for its magnificent natural landscapes such as the majestic Pyrenees. and the picturesque Ossau Valley.

The essentials of Béarn

Béarn is full of picturesque villages, traditional markets, cultural festivals but also outdoor activities.
Pau is the historic capital of Béarn, former capital of King Henri IV. Built in the 12th century on a rocky hill, the Château de Pau benefits from a strategic position to watch over the Gave de Pau river located below. This privileged location allowed the castle to become the administrative seat of the Kingdom of Navarre. Nowadays, the Château de Pau has been transformed into a museum that pays tribute to the great personalities in the history of France. The whole city is full of exceptional architectural treasures and magnificent Renaissance gardens, thus meriting an in-depth visit. Many beautiful little villages make up Béarn such as Navarrenx, which has the particularity of being the oldest bastioned city in France, or Salies-de-Béarn, an emblematic village of Béarn des Gaves. There is also Lescun, located on the foothills of the Aspe valley, some 900 meters above sea level, but also Sauveterre-de-Béarn, Sarrance or Morlanne which is best known for its 14th century castle erected by Gaston Fébus during The hundred years war.
Part of the Pyrenees National Park is located in Béarn, offering magnificent mountainous, natural and preserved landscapes. In addition, Béarn is famous for its wine, especially Jurançon.
Furthermore, Béarn is a popular tourist destination, with its picturesque landscapes, medieval castles and charming villages.

Living in Béarn

Living in Béarn means living at the foot of the Pyrenees, in the heart of beautiful countryside, picturesque landscapes and benefiting from a rich culture and fascinating history. Béarn is surrounded by our magnificent Pyrenees offering breathtaking landscapes. In addition, Béarn is ideally located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees allowing easy access to the seaside resorts of the Basque Coast such as Biarritz, Anglet and Saint-Jean de Luz and the Pyrenean ski resorts, but also Spain. neighbor. On a human scale, the cities of Béarnaise reconcile the requirements of a pleasant and flattering living environment.
In terms of real estate, Béarn offers a wide variety of properties including individual houses with gardens, beautiful renovated farmhouses, luxury apartments or even beautiful villas with high-end services. The traditional Béarn stone houses are highly prized for their authentic charm.