Sorde l'Abbaye, situated on the banks of the Gave d'Oloron, has a remarkable heritage. The village is a stage on the Tours route, one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. The roads to Santiago de Compostela have been a European cultural route since 1987 and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998.
The territory of the municipality of Sorde-l'Abbaye has been occupied by man since prehistoric times. Three sculptures of horses from excavations of rock shelters dating from 17,000 years before the present are on display in the treasure room of Arthous Abbay. The architectural heritage is the main asset of the village: in the heart of the bastide, stands an ancient abbey founded on an ancient villa. A little further on, the former pilgrims'hospital spans the route to Santiago de Compostela.
The topography of the site gives visitors a spectacular view of the Gave d’Oloron valley and the Pyrenees mountains.
Sightseeing
- The Abbey of Sorde, a registered Historical Monument and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes
- The centre of Sorde l’Abbaye and rue Bourg-Neuf
- The wash house fountain
- Hôpital des pèlerins (Pilgrims' hospital)
- Trouée des espagnols (hole made in the ramparts by Spanish troops in 1523)
- Sightseeing walk
