Activities in and around Salies de Béarn, France.

The story of St James relates to a historical figure, one of the apostles of Christ. James was one of the three closest apostles of Christ. However, historic documents don't mention this apostle a lot in the first centuries of Christianity. Three different pilgrimage routes join in Béarn des gaves offering beautiful views of the Pyrenees and the mountain streams of Béarn which constitute also the last step before moving to St. Jean Pied de Port in Basque Country before finally attacking the Pyrenees and discovering the Spanish side.
At the death of Christ, the apostles would share the world to evangelize. James would have gone to Spain.
Not having been very successful in his mission, he returned to Jerusalem, where he was martyred till he died. His disciples then put his body in a boat which drifted away. Seven days later, it was swept ashore in Galicia. His disciples laid his body on a stone which took the form of a sarcophagus.
Between the 8th and the 11th century, his tomb was opened. This troublesome period in Spain corresponds to the conflicts between Christians and Muslims.
The miraculous discovery of the relics of James becomes a symbol and a protective image of Spain's Christians. Shortly after its discovery, Christians used the image reflecting a daring knight that attacks the Moors. This appearance caused James to be nicknamed the killer of Moors. Thus, in this time of the Crusades, of religious fervor, St. James pilgrimage to the place where his tomb was found was born.

What is a pilgrimage?

By undertaking this journey to Santiago de Compostella, the pilgrim confirms his faith. It's a journey to a sacred place, and the pilgrim hoping to get some grace.
You should start walking from home to the final destination in Galicia. Because this practice was quite popular in the Middle Ages, various pilgrims' routes were established throughout Europe.

Regarding the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, in France four main trails have been clearly identified: The Tours trail
The Puy trail
The Vezelay trail
The Arles trail
Three of these trails join in and cross Béarn des Gaves starting from Orthez to Sauveterre de Béarn passing the village of l'Hôpital d'Orion with its statue of St. James and its 13th century church as well as
Villa "Les Acacias".
All 4 trails join in Ostabat where all pilgrims head for Saint Jean Pied de Port before crossing the Pyrenees.

 


In Béarn, on the edge of the Basque Country, discover this friendly golf course. Beginners or experienced players with at least a green card are welcome.
The Salies de Béarn golf course is a hilly course with 9 holes, both technical and varied. It also offers a compact  9-hole course (training course) and an infrastructure with driving range, putting green, approach area, practice bunker ...
To start the game or improve your technique, you can get advice from a qualified golf pro.


Visit Béarn des Gaves letting the wind pushing you through the skies. Offering you calm and comfortable first flights, night flights. Think about it!
At Angous near Navarrenx, Aquitaine Balloon Adventure offers 3 hours including the assembly of the balloon, one hour flight duration (depending on weather conditions), free champagne after landing, transport to take-off spot.
Aquitaine Montgolfières, 3 chemin Serbielle - 64190 ANGOUS Tel : 06 80 34 30 34 - 05 59 66 59 22
aquitaine.montgolfieres@wanadoo.fr, http://www.aquitaine-montgolfieres.fr



Excellent angling, bathing and white water activities nearby on the Gave d'Oloron famous for its salmon and trout population. Details in French: truites farios et saumons atlantiques.








The thermal spa of Salies-de-Béarn, also known as the Baths of Mude, offers day, weekend and special wellness weeks all year round thanks to its unique thermo-mineral water which is 10 times saltier than sea ​​water and rich in 26 trace elements.