Oloron Sainte Marie town
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Oloron Sainte Marie - by Guillermo Ochoa on Google
Description
Oloron Sainte Marie is the main town in the valleys of the Béarn and Soule (the eastern part of the French Basque Country). The origin of the town goes back to the Middle Ages and the towns of Sainte Marie and Oloron were only united in 1858. One of the main branches of the Camino de Santiago transits through the town before crossing the Pyrénées at the Somport, heading into Jaca on the Spanish side, so there was a steady flow of pilgrims. The main sights include the Sainte Marie Cathedrale with its beautiful Roman portal and the Sainte-Croix church, the Grède tower, the old city hall building and the riverbanks of the Gave d'Aspe / d'Oloron.
Access & Transport
The town is located 30km to the southwest of Pau; it takes about 40mins on the N134. There is also a train line between Pau and Oloron Ste Marie, the ride takes 40mins.
Instructions & Recommendations
We recommend combining this activity with a hike in the nearby mountains, some rafting along the Gave d'Oloron or a visit of the town of Navarrenx, 22km away along the D936.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy.
Conclusion
Oloron Sainte Marie is a scenic town worth a half day visit and a lunch or dinner if you have allocated several days to the area / the Pyrenees Atlantiques department. The town has character and an interesting historical background that deserve a stop.
Key positive
A couple of scenic neighbourhoods and beautiful churches
Easy to drive to and combine with other activities in the surroundings
Key negative
Not much English spoken
Suitability
Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility but parts of the city have roads with steep gradients so a motorized wheelchair or an accompanying adult may be required
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:3h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo