Salies de Béarn: 5 km   

Sauveterre de Béarn and Gave d'Oloron: 10 km

Atlantic Ocean, Biarritz and Saint Jean de Luz: 56 km   

Pyrenees alpine skiing station Gourette: 75 km

Salies de Béarn

The small town of the salt is geographically situated between the Pyrenees and the Bask coast or in other terms between Pau and Biarritz. It doesn't only offer the tranquillity and the charm of its historic centre with its historic houses and the small alleys decorated with flowers and plants and the magnificent Saleys peacefully winding its waters through the ancient quarters of Salies, but on the other hand Salies is also famous for numerous colourful activities like its antique-markets, the annual salt-parade and salt-feast and other culinary highlights and activities like "Salies à peindre" and "La Piperadère". Salies has become famous because of its spa. In 1857 the first spa buildings were built for the wealthy thermalists seeking an efficient therapy. http://www.thermes-de-salies.com/
The salt however has influenced the lives of the inhabitants of Salies from the early Middle Ages onwards. The "jambon de Bayonne" is still being prepared with the Salies salt using the same ancient traditional methods. Since the discovery of the healing capacities of the salty water numerous thermalists have been able to benefit from its therapeutic effects especially efficient for arthritis and bone-fractures. More and more tourists discover the Venice of the Béarn not only for its modernized spa facilities and thalassic-therapies and luxurious "detente"-weekends, but also because of its new casino, the beautiful golf-course and its idyllic situation amidst the green Béarn hills with the Pyrenees serving as decorum.

Sauveterre de Béarn:

Mediaeval small town with stunning panoramic views on the mountain river "Gave d'Oloron" and the Pyrenees. Many picturesque shady alleys invite you to stroll along the riverbanks or to walk through the remainders of the ancient fortifications. Starting-point for organized canoe-and rafting activities on the "Gave d'Oloron". Obligatory passage for the pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostella.
 

Orthez:

The ancient capital of the Béarn with its historic castle, its renowned "Pont vieux" and its historic city-centre are really worth while visiting. Within the city's limits you'll find the "Saligue des oiseaux" a big bird reserve. Of course the local arena is worth a visit even if you are not in to bullfighting. Furthermore you'll find all the leisure activities and commodities a major town has to offer. Also waterpark http://www.loisirs-orthez.com/
 

Gave d'Oloron:

Together with the "Gave de Pau" the "Gave d'Oloron" constitute the two major rivers of the Béarn. The "Gave d'Oloron" attracts many fishing enthusiasts because of its quality fishing-waters e.g. huge quantities of trout and salmon. But it is also very sought after by those seeking canoe- and rafting activities. Regularly the world championships for salmon fishing are organized in Navarrenx which can be found at 10 km distance from Sauveterre.

Pyrenees:

What can you write about the Pyrenees which has not yet been written ? Nothing actually, you have to be there and live the experience ! Nevertheless some facts:
The highest mountain-peaks of the Béarn are the "Pic du Midi d'Ossau", the cursed "Aubisque", the "Col du Somport" to name but a few. During the winter-season the most sought after skiing-resorts are Gourette and La Pierre St.Martin with its ultra modern equipments but who have preserved their authentic features. In summer hundreds of kilometres of tracks offer the tourists numerous walking/trekking possibilities but also alpine mountain climbing and Canyoning are at hand. It is one of last west-European areas where the brown bear still can be found in its original habitat.

 

Atlantic Ocean:

The bask coast with its world famous seaside-resorts Biarritz and St.Jean de Luz is known throughout the world. The interior Bask country however is much less known but is really worth while visiting with its unspoilt natural scenery; the traditional architecture of the bask houses and the tranquillity you won't find that easily nearer to the coast. For surfing amateurs Anglet is the place to be, strolling along the boulevards can't be done without style and grace without having been to Biarritz, and for the old fishing-harbour and the centre of St.Jean de Luz you would  need another pair of sunglasses. Also the immense sandy beaches and high dunes of  "Les Landes" with resorts like Hossegor and Capbreton attract thousands of tourists every year.

Tourist Information Béarn des gaves
French original : http://www.tourisme-bearn-gaves.com