Navarrenx

Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Military architecture
Ramparts, fortified gates…
Bastides
One of the earliest fortified towns
Way of St James
Via Podiensis
Family-friendly

Navarrenx, a fortified market town in Béarn, with the Pyrenees on the horizon

In Navarrenx, the 16th-century ramparts tell a unique story: built a century before Vauban, they protect a medieval bastide unlike any other. Cobbled streets, majestic gates and bastions: every step takes you back in time.

And on the banks of the Gave d’Oloron, once famous for its salmon, why not take in the panoramic views of the Pyrenees or try your hand at a water sport?

A fortified town in Béarn

With its majestic ramparts and well-kept secrets, Navarrenx invites you to discover a military heritage that was ahead of its time.

Centre d'interprétation OT Béarn des Gaves

Centre d'interprétation

In the former 17^(th)-century arsenal, models, suits of armour and maps breathe life into the fortified town, its Musketeers and the secrets of the ramparts. This tour allows you to relive the village's legends and battles.

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Navarrese architecture

Did you know that Navarrenx was a century ahead of Vauban? Its fortifications were already in place in 1538… And when the famous engineer visited Béarn, he had nothing but praise for them. Put simply, here they were doing Vauban before Vauban!


Your experiences to live in Navarrenx

Strolling around the market ©Béarn des Gaves Tourist Office

Strolling around the market

On Wednesday mornings, Navarrenx’s main square comes alive with the flavours of Béarn! Sample sheep’s-milk cheeses, cured meats, wines and other local produce for a delicious and convivial experience in the heart of the bastide.

Take a stroll along the rampart walk ©Béarn des Gaves Tourist Office

Take a stroll along the rampart walk

Why not take in the view from above? Follow the rampart walk and walk in the footsteps of the sentries. Views of the Gave, the bastions and a chance to enjoy nature on the Île du Gave await you: an easy walk to discover the town’s military heritage. 

Experiencing Navarrenx in the time of Jeanne d’Albret ©Béarn des Gaves Tourist Office

Experiencing Navarrenx in the time of Jeanne d’Albret

Follow “La Compagnie” and relive Queen Jeanne d’Albret’s visit to Navarrenx following a two-year siege of the town by the Catholics. Conspiracies, intrigues, strategy. Immerse yourself in the turmoil of local history and History itself, 450 years ago!

Ideas for everyone, all the time

Exposition à la galerie Saint Antoine

From July 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2026

Exposition à la galerie Saint Antoine

This summer, Masha is presenting a new series of works in which she explores the abstract relationships between painting, creativity and mineral compositions. Through original works combining materials, textures and mineral compositions, the artists Miky SN, SB and JB B invite the public to discover unique worlds where nature, colour and creativity interact with sensitivity and imagination. This exhibition is a true artistic immersion, offering a unique perspective on the forms, textures and emotions that mineral matter can inspire.

Next dates:

  • From 07/01/2026 to 09/30/2026
    Open every day
  • From 07/01/2026 to 09/30/2026
    Open every day
64190 NAVARRENX
Journées Eupéennes du Patrimoine : Sortie champignons

The Sept. 19, 2026 from 9:30 a.m.

Journées Eupéennes du Patrimoine : Sortie champignons

In a forest plot identified by the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels as a “pre-old-growth forest,” an entire ecosystem has been developing for over 100 years. GuidedGuided by the Béarn Mycological Society, set out to discover the various forms that mushrooms can take and learn about the essential role they play in the forest’s proper functioning.

Next dates:

  • 09/19/2026
    Open every day
64190 NAVARRENX
Visite commentée : La cité fortifiée imprenable !

The Oct. 9, 2026

Visite commentée : La cité fortifiée imprenable !

Bastide since the 14th century, it was not until the reign of Henri II d?Albret, grandfather of King Henri IV, that the construction of its impressive fortifications began in 1538, based on the plans of an Italian engineer. 10 years in the making, 1.7 km long and 10 meters high, these ramparts are reputed to be impenetrable and revolutionary. Discover the stronghold of Béarn in the 16th century, with all its strategic locations: powder magazine, barracks, arsenal, mine countermeasures, military fountain? Would you like to take a tour of the ramparts?

Next dates:

  • 10/09/2026
Même pas chap ! 6ème édition

The Oct. 9, 2026

Même pas chap ! 6ème édition

The 6th edition of the "M%EAme pas chap!" festival! On the schedule: 7:00 p.m. La C%F4te Folle 8:00 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. B?uf musical 9:00 p.m. Mash-Up Production

Next dates:

  • 10/09/2026
Marche rose solidaire

The Oct. 18, 2026

Marche rose solidaire

1 accompanied walk of around 3kms with no difficulties, “Marche et Respire”, and two marked walks of 9 and 13 kms. Starting in September, men's and women's T-shirts will be on sale. New pink scarves and espadrilles will also be on sale from September until the day of the walk. Pink October is an opportunity for the association to raise funds to provide practical, local support to more people throughout the year.

Next dates:

  • 10/18/2026
64190 NAVARRENX

Geocaching

The town becomes a life-size playground, both above and below ground! Armed with the Tèrra Aventura app, young and old alike set off on a treasure hunt, solve puzzles and discover the bastide’s secret corners… whilst collecting Poï’z badges.

©Olivier Robinet – Béarn des Gaves Tourist Office
©Béarn des Gaves Tourist Office

The “Turon des Maures” Walk

Fancy a trip into the countryside with friends? Follow this 7 km route linking Navarrenx to Jasses, between the medieval market town and the Butte des Maures. An easy walk, punctuated by panoramic views of the Pyrenees and historical landmarks, combining physical activity with the beauty of the local heritage!

Water sports on the Gave d’Oloron

Whether it’s canoeing, rafting or a leisurely trip down the Gave, the river offers a real aquatic adventure set against a wild backdrop. Glide along the water and take in the scenery of Béarn. A refreshing outing that’s sure to delight everyone during the summer season!

Map of Navarrenx

Extend the visit to near Navarrenx

Prepare your stay at Navarrenx

How to get here?

Accessibility
Navarrenx

# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélo

# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année

# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : Aire de stationnement pour camping-car à moins de 15 mn à pieds

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