Churches and museums of Pyrénées2vallées
So many unique places to discover
Pyrenées2vallées, it is 46 villages on two mythical valleys and as many remarkable sites to explore. Discover charming Romanesque churches nestled in the mountains, museums to discover the region's history and much more. To visit without moderation!
Two exceptional sites classified as UNESCO sites
As soon as we mention the religious heritage of Pyrénées2vallées, we immediately think of the Templar Chapel and the St. Lawrence Church of Jézeau, both classified by UNESCO as Paths to Compostela. These medieval jewels are still in a very good state of preservation. On your way to Piau-Engaly, you will see a few metres to the right the Templars' chapel and its bare wall bell tower. Built in the 12th century, it was used as a refuge for pilgrims and travellers heading for Compostela. Going up north, east of Arreau, you will discover the Saint-Laurent de Jézeau church which dominates the village and the whole lower Aure valley. This 12th century Romanesque building offers you a superb outdoor bell tower wall, as well as a richly decorated altarpiece and medieval paintings that are still intact. Visit these two sites all year round alone or with a guide from the cultural centre.
Churches and museums of Arreau
How do you get past Arreau? This medieval city is the crossroads of the 2 valleys, located at the confluence of the Neste d'Aure and the Louron. Start your visit with the 16th century Saint-Exupère chapel. You enter it through its Romanesque portal, the oldest part of the building (12th century). Inside, look up to see its pretty coloured ceiling, its stained glass windows illuminated by the Sun and its imposing altarpiece at the bottom of the altar. This building is dedicated to Saint-Exupère, the patron saint of Arreau who became bishop of Toulouse in the 5th century. Then follow the course of the Neste du Louron to reach the Musée des Cagots, located in the Château des Nestes. The exhibition gathers precious testimonies and objects of everyday life. You will discover the life of the cagots, a minority unjustly persecuted for centuries. Finally, visit the church of Notre-Dame d'Arreau and contemplate its square bell tower visible from all over the village. Listed as a Historic Monument, this Romanesque church has been enriched over the centuries. Admire its 16th century Pietà and its beautiful 17th century altarpiece.
100% natural holiday in the Aure valley
In the Aure valley, immerse yourself in the pastoral tradition of the Pyrenean house of Azet pastoralism, visit the charming church of Agos in Vielle-Aure and discover the riches of the Pyrenees National Park in Saint-Lary. In Ancizan, visit two sites dedicated to the culture of the Aure valley. In the cultural centre, you can discover the surroundings in a fun way with a cultural escape game, exhibitions and guided tours of the places and resorts... Continue to the museum of the Aure valley in Ancizan. The daily life of farmers at the beginning of the last century is presented through different scenes of life.
The hidden treasures of the Louron valley
On the way up the Col de Peyresourde, discover the discreet village of Mont and its church of Saint-Barthélémy. Built in the 12th century and now classified as a Historic Monument, this Romanesque building is both challenging and fascinating. Admire its many interior and exterior paintings, including one of the few representations of the Devil on the south wall. In Loudenvielle, you have an appointment with the wonders of the Louron valley at the L'Arixo theatre (on the picture). Discover the churches of the region and the way of life of the inhabitants in the museum area. L'Arixo is also a popular place in the Louron valley with its theatre and its annual "Ciné-Cimes" film festival. Still in Loudenvielle, share a good time with the family at the Saoussas mill. Discover in this ecomuseum the ancestral tools of the mill and sawmill. Outside, the hydraulic sawmill operates as it used to. After the guided tour, rest near the lake, taste the local produce in the shop and satisfy your hunger in the restaurant.
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Let yourself be tempted by the suggestions of Pyrénées2vallées and enjoy a life-size experience in our destination.