France > France regions > Aquitaine > Pyrenees-Atlantiques > Orthez
Orthez
Orthez is in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Aquitaine, 40km north-west of Pau.
Next to the Gave de Pau (the river), a highlight of Orthez is the 13th-14th century stone bridge across the river, with an unusual gateway-tower halfway across the arched bridge. The bridge originally had two of these defensive towers. In 1814 the bridge successfully resisted the troops of Wellinton, as he pursued a retreating Napoleon.
Clustered around the bridge, the town itself contains some interesting medieval houses and a church that dates in part from the 12th century and has some sculptures worthy of attention. The mother of Henry IV lived in the Maison Jeanne d'Albret.
The pentagonal tower, dating from 1250, is all that remains of the castle that once stood here.
Market day in Orthez is Tuesday.
Biarritz is about 70km to the west, and the Pyrenees are accessible to the south of Orthez.
Orthez: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
Plan a visit to Orthez, France
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Map of Orthez, France |
Places to visit - Orthez
- Dax Aquitaine town
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos
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