France is a country with wide open spaces and small villages. We cannot list all the villages in the area, but some of the ones worth visiting are listed with the nearby town or large village that is listed in the guide.
Bilhères - sleepy village perched on the side of the Ossau valley. High up on west side of the Ossau valley, on the road to the Benou plateau and the Col de Marie Blanc, lies the sleepy village of Bilhères, which affords magnificent views of the valley.
La Romieu. The village was founded as a sauveté in 1082, and is a good and pretty example of this kind of protected village. But it is most remarkable for its magnificent old ecclesiastical college building, built in the 14th century and out of all proportion to the village. It boasts two of the finest towers in the Gers.
Montcrabeau. This village perched on the top of a hill is a must for all politicians and public relations officers. First sunday of August they hold the fête des menteurs, literally `fête of liars'. The competitor who tells the tallest story is pronounced `roi des Menteurs' (`king of the liars') and all participants are awarded the Brevet de Menteur which allows you to be economical with the truth at any time and at any place!
Gan and surrounds. Wine cellars and chateau for Jurançon white (dry and medium)
Laruns. Small mountain town at the head of the Ossau valley.
Gourette. Small village which is a ski resort in winter and a good spot for exploring the mountains in summer.
Navarrenx. Fine example of fortified town on the Gave d'Oloron
Gurs. Gurs, just 5 km from Navarranx in the Oloron direction, is the site of the major internment camp of the area from the last war, which is comemmorated there.
Saint Palais. Important agricultural town in the Pays Basque
Iholdy 17k. Interesting church with a large outside covered gallery in wood.
Sauveterre-de-Béarn. Spectacular walled village overlooking the Gave d'Oloron
Athos. The village of Athos gave its name to Athos, one of the Three Muskteers of Alexander Dumas
You can use this form to send a private message to the Webmaster. To ask a question or give information about something please visit our Visitors' Centre. There you can visit our forums, upload your pictures to the visitors' picture gallery or write an article for the guide. For details about advertising here go to our advertising details and booking form.
Because of the problems with spam we ask that you put the following code in the anti-spam code box in the order form:
High up on west side of the Ossau valley, on the road to the Benou plateau and the Col de Marie Blanc, lies the sleepy village of Bilhères, which affords magnificent views of the valley.
