Peyrehorade was founded in the Middle Ages between the Gave rivers and Aspremont Hill where the ruins of the ancient castle of the Orthe Viscounts stand. The town benefited from its crossroads location between the Landes, Béarn and the Pays Basque to grow, including the creation of a market 1358.
Replacing the fortress of Aspremont, the impressive Château d'Orthe (Orthe Castle), built in the 15th century along the Gave rivers, is the south entrance of the town. It is now the town hall.
A large Jewish community, fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, moved to the town in the 17th century as demonstrated by the presence of 3 Jewish cemeteries.
Sightseeing
- Château d'Orthe (or château de Montréal)
- Saint-Martin Church and Place Aristide Briand ,where Peyrehorade's popular market is held every Wednesday and Saturday
- The quai du Roc, along the riverbanks of the Gave de Pau with a fantastic view of the Château d’Orthe
