The museums of Béarn: from the most intimate to the most gourmet!

In the museums of Béarn , you will discover the remains of its 1000 years of history . Crossed by the "Ways of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle " , Béarn has a very dense religious heritage . Land of the powerful Albret family and birthplace of Henri IV , a sumptuous court reigned there. She liked to surround herself with beautiful objects, works of art and rich furniture , some of which have come down to us. The troubadours maintained a creative and festive atmosphere there, conducive to the development of culture and the arts. Located between the Pyrenees, the Landes and the Gers , Béarn also has many local products , renowned gastronomy , ancestral know-how and ancient and typical trades .

Opening photo: Château de Pau, Lesley Williamson

Museums on history

The history of a region forges its character ... Knowing the major events and anecdotes of the past will allow you to better understand the identity of this territory . Visiting museums and some emblematic places is an immersive experience to penetrate the heart of the country !

National museum and estate of the castle of Pau : It tells you the story of the emblematic character of the region: Henri IV . The castle of Pau saw it born and has an eventful history. In addition, its Renaissance gardens are indicative of an art of living of the time .
Jeanne d'Albret d'Orthez Museum: In the house of Jeanne d'Albret , the mother of Henri IV, this museum traces the history of Protestantism in Béarn .
The Tour Monréal de Sauveterre-de-Béarn: It was one of the city's key defensive elements against Charles V. It hosts an exceptional model of the city !
Hospital complex, in Lac Order: It is a refuge for pilgrims to "Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle " , which allows you to understand the interest of a commandery . It also houses the Maison des vins de Jurançon .
Serbat Museum at Laàs Castle : This is not a traditional museum. You enter an ^18th century nobility house , as it was inhabited by the owners.
Parachute Memorial Museum , in Pau: It is part of the Airborne Troops School (ETAP) and takes you into this very particular universe of parachutists , from its creation during the Second World War until today. It is a fun museum with staging and a lot of material.
Pau Museum of Resistance and Deportation : It is above all a place of memory , so as not to forget the war, the Vichy regime, the deportation, the resistance ...

Photo: National Museum and Chateau de Pau Estate, Lesley Williamson

sponsored content

Museums on local life, the environment and culture

Museums on the life and trades of yesteryear , customs and traditions , everyday objects or activities, the environment and nature, such as ecomuseums , will allow you to get into the atmosphere of the culture of this territory .

Ecomuseum of the Aspe Valley , in Sarrance: Both a museum of small rural heritage , sacred art and local history , it takes you to the heart of the Aspe valley to make you discover life in Sarrance.
Navarrenx Interpretation Center : Here you will find the arts and regional traditions of Navarrenx.
Bayaà Crypt Museum , in Salies-de-Béarn: A former open-air water source , it was filled with salt water in the 19th ^century . Rehabilitated, it has been converted into a museum on the exploitation of salt in the region.
Museographic center of the Salines de Béarn: This is the whole history of salt water in Béarn , from its formation to the present day ...
Gérard Hourugou Museum of Old Tools , in Garlin: You will admire an exceptional collection of 2,500 machines , agricultural and professional tools, everyday objects ... and more than 25 trades are presented to you, old, forgotten or current ...
" Maison Carrée and the museum of industry in the country of Nay : This museum presents the textile industry and cabinet making , typical of the country of Nay.
Beret Museum , in Nay: The beret is a traditional hat, made for 200 years in Béarn . Sometimes obsolete, sometimes fashionable, it is a headwear that does not fail to cause debate ...
Chair Museum , in Came: This museum tells a family story. You will discover this trade and this traditional manufacturing . This know-how continues today and you will witness the creation of a chair in the adjoining workshop .
Mill Candau at Castétis: Water mill of the ^16th century, still working for wheat flour production.

© Musée Maison Carrée

sponsored content

Art in all its forms

Béarn has a long history, a magnificent environment and authentic inhabitants. This particular atmosphere has inspired many artists .

Museum of Fine Arts of Pau is renowned for its collection of Western paintings from the ^16th century to today.
Bernadotte Museum , in Pau: Through the collection of Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte , you will discover the atypical life of this general of the Revolution, who became Marshal of the Empire, before being appointed King of Sweden and Norway.
Image d'Orthez art center : Photography, video, multimedia, graphics…, the image in all its forms is presented there.
Lescar Museum : It is an archaeological collection that takes you to the heart of the ancient capital of Beneharnum .
Heritage Museum of the Fathers of Bétharram , in Lestelle: The museum explains this place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin and the missionary goal of the Fathers of Bétharram .

Museums on local gastronomy

One last essential category in Béarn: gastronomy of course! This terroir is rich in local specialties and the people of Bearn are renowned for being good people . We end gently with gourmet museums !

Foie Gras Museum , in bénéjacq: Everything about foie gras , in four themes: the land, the tables of kings, the agricultural economy, foie gras as a product. The visit ends with a tasting .
Maison des Vins du Jurançon in Lacoût: Within a commandery, you will know everything about the Jurançon vineyard and how to taste it.
Maison Barthouil , in Léren: It is a warm family place to discover the wild salmon of Adour , see the smoking techniques and meet the last old-style salmon smoker .
Museum of salt and Béarn traditions , in Salies-de-Béarn: Another food preservation technique is presented to you in this museum with the good smells of Bayonne ham and other cured meats. Salt is also an economy, ancestral know-how and traditional trades .
Francis Miot's Museum of Sweet Arts , in Uzos: You enter the house of the “ triple world champion ” and “ best jam maker in France ” Francis Miot. It is a real temple of gluttony , in a naughty and facetious spirit. If you want to know more, watch our video report on the Museum of Sweet Arts .

Photo: Maison Francis Miot and the Museum of Sweet Arts

Photo: Maison Barthouil

sponsored content

This is how our tour of the Béarn museums comes to an end. Whatever your field of predilection, you will surely find your happiness there to cultivate you , to learn or to satisfy your curiosity .