Orthez
Country: France
Region: Europe
Period: 11th-15th c.CE
Location: 43.49°N, -0.77°E
Description
Orthez (Ortès in Occitan) was one of the principal seats of the Viscounty of Béarn in southwestern France during the Middle Ages. From the 13th to the 15th centuries, it served as the administrative and political capital of Béarn, favored for its strategic location and fortifications along the Gave de Pau river.
Modern Remains
Today, Orthez retains medieval landmarks such as the Moncade Castle (residence of Gaston Fébus), the 14th-century Pont Vieux (Old Bridge), and a preserved town center. These remnants reflect its importance in regional history and make it a site of heritage tourism in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.