Arzacq : Saint-Jacques de Compostelle en VTT

  • by mountain bike : 0h45 - Difficulty Easy
  • Distance : 7.5km
  • Vertical rise : 236m
  • Public : Famille - Tous publics
The bastide town of Arzacq, on the route to Le Puy en Velay, is a remarkable place of heritage and history.
The tour follows in the footsteps of the many pilgrims who passed through our region, which boasts a rich architectural and natural heritage, such as the lake surrounded by 2 19th-century horseshoe-shaped washhouses.
Itinerary

  • Step 1 :

    Start at the car park on the lake embankment (Road Orthez) in Arzacq. Take the stony path and, after passing the picnic area, you can either head opposite towards a 19th-century wash house 50 metres away (then retrace your steps), or turn right onto the GR65, also known as St Jacques de Compostelle. You will walk around part of the lake and see mallards, great crested grebes, moorhens, coots, crayfish and many other creatures. Take the path up to your left through the woods to the road and turn right.

  • Step 2 :

    Pilgrim's Tree Once you have passed the Pilgrim's Tree, descend to the bridge at the Louvigny mill (private).

  • Step 3 :

    Before the bridge, on your right, follow the path and a little further up you will reach a tarmac road.

  • Step 4 :

    Turn right onto the local road.

  • Step 5 :

    At the crossroads at the top of the hill, leave the tarmac road and continue straight ahead, following the path.

  • Step 6 :

    At the district road, turn right and head towards the wash house below. A few steps lead down to it. Then turn left at the pumping station and, with a little momentum, climb up the dyke using the handrails. At the top on the left, walk along the dyke and you will return to the car park.
Don't miss
  • The bastide (small heritage site) (Rural heritage)

    First mentioned in the 11th century, Arzacq stands at the end of a spur, which made it an excellent defensive site. A bastide since the 14th century, it is an extension of the existing village.

  • The Béarnaise house (Built heritage) (Heritage)

    The Béarnaise house is built with pebbles from the Gave Gris river in the mortar. One of the essential characteristics of the Béarnaise house is its roof: the slope can reach 50°, or even more, covered with flat tiles or, more frequently, slate. In Béarn, houses vary according to the valleys and geographical areas.

  • The wash house (built heritage) (Heritage)

    There are two wash houses. One at each end of the horseshoe-shaped lake dating from the 19th century.

  • The lake (natural site) (Nature site)

    This 20-hectare lake offers an ideal nature break for hikers and fishing enthusiasts. A 2-kilometre loop around the lake allows you to quietly discover the local flora and fauna. Picnic areas are also available so you can fully enjoy the surroundings.

  • Bayonne Ham House and museum (tasting) (Tasting)

    The museum reveals the history of ham and the secrets of its production through an entertaining tour, before offering you a tasting session.

  • Bars and restaurants (Tasting) (Tasting)

Nearby routes

Nearby accommodation

Agenda

06May

Creative workshops for children to awaken their artistic spirit. 10am/11.30pm: 3/6 years. 2.30pm/16pm: 7/12 yrs. Registration by Tuesday, 12pm.

ARZACQ-ARRAZIGUET