Château et bastide de Bellocq

Bellocq is an atypical bastide because it has no square space. The viscounts of Béarn used here the checkerboard plan for a town supporting a military fortress. The perfectly designed right-angled streets facilitated the circulation of troops.
The strong point of Bellocq is its castle built between 1250 and 1280 by Gaston VII, Viscount of Béarn, on a rocky peak overlooking the Gave. Gaston Fébus had the castle reinforced in 1370. With its square bell tower, the fortified church dates from the 13th century. The main portal is enriched with sculptures, one of which represents "the pilgrim with a beret" holding a long stick in his right hand, evoking the journey to Santiago de Compostela, whose road in the Middle Ages passed through Bellocq. The castle can be visited on request all year round for groups of at least 4 people.

Show less