Arthez-de-Béarn → Navarrenx
31.5 km | 8-11 hours | +628m / -696m
About This Stage
The route descends gradually towards the Gave d'Oloron river and the fortified town of Navarrenx. The Bearn countryside continues to roll through green pastures and woodland.
Navarrenx is a remarkably well-preserved 16th-century fortified town, the first bastion-style fortress built in France (predating Vauban's famous fortifications). The intact ramparts, complete with arrow slits and gun emplacements, can be walked in a complete circuit. The town spans the Gave d'Oloron on a medieval bridge where Atlantic salmon still run upstream each spring.
Look for the Maison du Pelerin (Pilgrim House) near the bridge.
Terrain: Rolling hills, river valley paths, fortified town approach, some paved roads
Explore the Stage
Elevation Profile
Things Along the Way
A village perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the Pyrenees on clear days. Has gites and basic services in a quiet Bearnais setting.
A fortified town with remarkably well-preserved 16th-century ramparts, making it one of the earliest examples of Italian-style bastioned fortification in France. Has gites and full services.
Tips for This Stage
Accommodation between Arthez-de-Béarn and Navarrenx
0 places to stay between Arthez-de-Béarn and Navarrenx
Stay in Arthez-de-Béarn
Stage StartAccommodation at the start of this stage (useful for booking the night before)
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Stay in Navarrenx
Stage EndAccommodation at the end of this stage
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