Arthez-de-Béarn
The French community Arthez's -de -Béarn is located in the department of Pyrénées- Atlantiques in the Aquitaine region and is the capital of the canton of the same name. By 1832 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) counting place leads the GR 65, which largely follows the historical course of the French Road to Santiago Via Podiensis.
Geography and transport
Arthez's -de- Béarn is located in the southwest of France in the northern Pyrenean foreland. The place belongs to the historic region of Béarn, which is adjacent to the French Basque country. The place is situated on a hillside, from where you have a view of the Pyrenees peaks, to the level of Béarn in the north and the valley of the Gave de Pau in the south. The nearest town is Orthez, which is in a westerly direction on the D946 - D817 reached after about 15 kilometers of road. Close to major French cities are Toulouse (166 km ) to the east and Bordeaux ( 153 km) to the north. The nearest international airport is Aéroport de Pau -Pyrénées, which is reached via the D233 in about 25 kilometers of road. The train station there is in Pau, which is connected to the TGV network SNCF. At the French road network Arthez's -de- Béarn on the A64 Briscous ( on the Atlantic Ocean, near the Spanish border ) is - Toulouse connected. Motorway to the A64 are at Orthez (8 ) and Artix (9).
History
From Gallo-Roman times there are traces of settlement in the municipality of Arthez's -de- Béarn. Arthez's arose from a Augustinian monastery. In the early Middle Ages it was a stronghold of the defense network of Béarn. Access to the city was secured by two drawbridges, and in the center of the city there was a castle with two square towers, one of which has been preserved and now serves as a bell. 1385 the place came under the rule of the Dukes of Gramont.
In 1385, with about 1,275 inhabitants Arthez's was the fifth largest city of Béarn. In 1881 there were still 1,409 inhabitants before the steady decline in population with 881 inhabitants in 1954 reached its climax. Thereafter, again achieved by the establishment of the industrial area of Lacq a positive development. Today, it plays an active role in the development of the community association and the administrative structures.
Way of St. James ( Via Podiensis )
In the 12th century the Knights Hospitaller founded a branch ( Upcoming ) for the care of pilgrims. Of these, today is only the chapel Caubin, named after the first commander obtained.
Today, the site offers two pilgrims' hostels (French: Gîte d' étape ) Private Rooms (French: Chambre d' hôtes ) and a campsite. The other path leads down into the valley of the Gave de Pau, which is exceeded in Maslacq. Thus, the Pyrenees foothills is now finally achieved. The hills are frequently crossed by streams, resulting in a constant up and down. It goes on to the next town Sauvelade Navarrenx. After Navarrenx performs as a street connecting the route D275, D110, D111. Before Argagnon the variant meets on the historic salt trade route back to the main path. More accommodation establishments there on the way to Navarrenx Maslacq and Sauvelade.
Culture and economy
- The place is located on a hill on which once stood the fortified place. The streets are lined with old country houses and courtyards typical of Béarn.
- The church with the built castle tower, which today is used as a bell tower, dating from the 12th century.
- The restored Romanesque chapel of headquarters Caubin.
A large part of the population works in agriculture, as well as horses and livestock. Local products are wine, wheat, tobacco and corn, as well as foie gras of duck liver.
Twinning
- Germany Bogen, Germany ( Lower Bavaria ), since 1982
- Spain Biescas, Spain ( province of Aragon ), since 1996
- Spain Olite, Spain ( Navarra ), since 1997