Sauveterre-de-Béarn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sauveterre-de-Béarn
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View up to Medieval village of Sauveterre de Bearn with the Pont de la Legende (foreground)
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 Sauveterre-de-Béarn
Location in France
Sauveterre-de-Béarn
Location in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | |
| Department | Pyrénées-Atlantiques | |
| Arrondissement | Oloron-Sainte-Marie | |
| Canton | Orthez et Terres des Gaves et du Sel | |
| Intercommunality | Communauté de communes de Sauveterre-de-Béarn | |
| Area
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14.54 km2 (5.61 sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
64513 /64390
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| Elevation | 44–205 m (144–673 ft) (avg. 71 m or 233 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
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Sauveterre-de-Béarn is a charming medieval village located in southwestern France. It sits high above the Gave d'Oloron river and offers amazing views of the Pyrenees mountains. This village is a commune, which is like a local administrative area, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.
Contents
History of Sauveterre-de-Béarn
Sauveterre-de-Béarn was first built as a safe, walled place. The name "Sauveterre" actually means "safe land" or "refuge." This was important during the difficult times of the Dark Ages.
The Important Bridge and Pilgrims
The village became very important because of its old bridge. This bridge was a main route to Spain. Many pilgrims used it on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Even today, parts of the stone drawbridge are still there. The wooden part is gone, and the end of the bridge has been walled up.
A Watchpoint in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Sauveterre-de-Béarn was a great spot to keep watch. From its high position, people could look over Gascony and the nearby Navarre. The remains of the bridge offer the best views of the village above. Sometimes, children even jump into the deep river from the bridge!
The Story of Queen Sancie
A famous event happened at the bridge in 1170. Queen Sancie, who was the widow of Gaston V of the Béarn, faced a "judgement of God." She was accused of a serious crime and was thrown into the river with her hands and feet tied. Amazingly, she survived! Because she lived, she was declared innocent.
Fortifications and Wars
The village's strong walls and defenses were damaged during religious wars. However, enough of them remain to help you imagine what this important town looked like long ago. Many of the old buildings and the church are still in their original condition.
Interesting Facts About Sauveterre-de-Béarn
Sauveterre-de-Béarn appeared in a book called The Summer of Katya. The author, Trevanian (whose real name was Rod Whitaker), called the village "Alos" in the story. In the book, a special event called the Festival of the Drowned Virgin takes place there.
See also
In Spanish: Salvatierra de Bearne para niños
