Stone Farmhouse & Barn in South West France for Sale

Historic Béarne region - Béarne des Gaves. You will discover a land of great historic interest in this lush, green and undulating countryside created by three rivers with the Pyrenees mountains as your backdrop. Gaston Fébus declared Béarne's independence from France in 1347, and created Orthez as his capital. Béarne was thus spared the throes of the 100 years war waged by Edward III of England. One of the smallest principalities, coveted by the Kings of France and Spain, it became a protestant enclave which was not reunited with France until 1594 by King Henri IV of France after two centuries. The region did, however, see English forces in 1814, when Wellington came in pursuit of Napolean's army. In this part of France, you can stroll through history and enjoy the distinctive architecture of this region in the towns of Orthez, Salies-de-Béarne, Sauveterre-de-Béarne and Navarrenx. In addition, not to be missed is the local favourite Orthez's beach. A fresh water lake, where you can enjoy the fun of the beach without the salty sea and only 25 minutes from the house.	The Old Bridge at Orthez
The principal city of the Béarne region is the historic Pau. Pau became the capital of the Béarne region after Orthez. A royal city, complete with Henri IV chateau, there is plenty to discover in this town. Enjoy a magnificent view of the Pyrenees range as you stroll down the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées, or in the many parks which are to be found throughout the centre of Pau. The Béarne region offers history with amazing countryside. Link to local Tourist Information website.	The Chateau at Pau
The River 'Salys' at Salies-de-Béarne	The Church at Salies-de-Béarne

 

Pyrenees Mountains. The Pyrenean mountains are never very far away, wherever you are in this part of France. Maison Blanc is on the border of the Pyrénees Atlantique county border and Bassercles offers some of the most spectacular views of the mountain range. One of the highest peaks the Pic du Midi d'Ossau at 2,884m can be seen from our village. There is much to discover in this mountain range with its gorges, valleys and mountain lakes, thus providing a completely different fauna and flora to the warmer lowlands of the Béarne. Everywhere in the range you will find breathtaking scenery and should you decide to take the cable car to the top of the Pic du Midi, you will see where the mountains and the sea join!! The towns and villages of the Pyrenees are a must, so make sure you pop into St Jean-Pied-de-Port, where all the Compostella pilgrim routes meet before passing through the Pyrenees into Spain. Also worthy of exploring are the mountain towns and villages, of Cambo-Les-Bains, Espelette, Sare and Hasparren. In this part of the Pyrenees, you will find all the winter pleasures provided by the ski resorts of Gourette,La Pierre-Saint-Martin and Artouste. Alternatively, should you desire something more restorative and relaxing, you can enjoy the mountain spa waters at the many thermal mountain spa towns. The most notable spa towns are Saint Christau and Eaux-Bonnes.

Views down towards the Atlantic Ocean from Col D'Ibardin.

Atlantic Beaches - La "Côte D'Argent" - The Silver Coast. 150 miles in length from the Gironde Estuary down to the border of Spain you will find a single stretch of white sandy beaches forming France's Atlantic coast!! As the longest stretch of beach in the whole of Europe, you will  easily find yourself a quiet spot to sunbathe, or should that not be enough for you, then you can explore the lakes and forest of trees which have formed just behind the dunes. However, if you wish to share your beach with other people then head for the resorts of Capbreton, Hossegor, Biarritz, Ondres or St Jean de Luz.

The Silver Coast

Landes Forests and Walks. In the 19th Century, Napoleon III ordered the planting of Maritime pines to combat the encroaching sand and to drain the marshes of the Landes, thus creating Europe's largest single forest covering 2.5 million acres, which now bears witness to an amazing micro-climate of Pines, ferns and natural lakes. To the north of the Landes county, in the middle of this forest you will find the Parc Naturel Régional des Landes de Gascogne offering nature trails, guided walks, cycle paths, mountain bike trails, bridlepaths, canoeing and kayaking, and finally not to be missed is the Ecomuseum!! Link to local Tourist Information website.

Basque Country. As you approach the Spanish border, the Pyrenean mountain range descend into the Atlantic ocean. In this area of France, you will find the harbour towns of Bidart, Ciboure, Guéthary, Hendaye and St Jean de Luz, with their traditional but distinctive, red and white houses set against the mountains as your backdrop. Inland, you will discover beautiful mountain villages and spa towns. Here the four grand paths of the Compastella Walk (Walk of St James') converge at the medieval town of St Jean Pied de Port before crossing the Pyrenees. The Basque country has a lot to offer with its mountain settings, gastronimc delights and beautiful coastline. Of course, no trip to the Basque country would be complete without visiting Biarritz, the jewel in the Basque crown, with its wide open bay and white beach. Whilst frequented by French high society, it still very much remains France's best kept secret. Link to Pyrenees Atlantique tourism website.

Lighthouse and the Grande Plage at Biarritz Copyright © Christian Amet

Historic Towns Biarritz Pau Orthez Lourdes Salies de Béarne St Jean Pied de Port. Lourdes Dax

Distances Town Distance Approx Travel time Biarritz 65 miles 1 hour 10 minutes Orthez 11 miles 20 minutes Pau Airport 21 miles 30 minutes Capbreton 70 miles 1 hour 15 minutes Salies de Béarne 23 miles 40 minutes Navarrenx 25 miles 45 minutes St Jean de Luz 69 miles 1 hour 15 minutes Pic du Midi 89 miles 2 hours Gourette 62 miles 1 hour 45 minutes Pau 25 miles 40 minutes Lourdes 62 miles 1 hour 15 minutes Dax 31 miles 40 minutes St Jean Pied de Port 55 miles 1 hour 30 minutes

Maison Blanc, 40700 Bassercles, France ~ davidmjeff@gmail.com

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