Tardets - En Pays Basque (2024)

Atharratze

Not to be missed
An enchanting fortified town
A lively village
The main events

The small municipality of Tardets is ideally situated at the foot of La Madeleine chapel in Haute Soule, 20 minutes from the Kakuetta Gorges and the starting point of the Holzarte footbridge hike, and 15 minutes from Mauléon.
Many unique discoveries can be made at, for example, the Basque Mythology centre, where the history of this small town and its many Souletin legends will be revealed to you.

Not to be missed

Climb to the Madeleine Chapel for a 360° view

On foot, by bike or by car, the chapel gives you a breathtaking view of the Béarn and Soule mountains.
You will often share this experience with the cows, horses and sheep that graze here every summer.

La Madeleine

Enter the world of Basque mythology

Discover for free the Basque mythology interpretation centre, Herauskorritxe, which can be found on the second floor of Tardets Tourist Information Office.
For children, a suspended net enables them to experience being high above the ground.

Espace sur la mythologie basque Herauskorritxe

Buy your cheese straight from the cheesemakers

You’re spoilt for choice! When heading in the direction of La Madeleine, stop at Ferme Agia or the Pitrau family farm. In the commune of Trois-Villes, 5 minutes from Tardets, you can taste Gohetxea farmhouse cheese, produced by a group of Idoki certified farmers.

Take advantage of the farmers’ market to meet local producers

Meet local producers at the market, which is held every other Monday. When the sun is out in July and August, the market is held weekly (every Monday).
The brightly coloured market place is full of local agricultural producers and craftsmen.

Relax by the water

At the edge of the river you will find respite from the summer heat, perfect for games of pétanque, picnics, and leisurely strolls.
For children, a playground can be found nearby. There are public toilets at your disposal.

Discover the beauty of the Soule by electric mountain bike

At your own pace, explore the valleys on the outskirts of the Arbailles forest and the small villages near Tardets.
From June to September, you will find an exclusive guide to the paths and trails at the Tourist

An idyllic spot for fishing

Happiness guaranteed for fishing enthusiasts. Haute Soule is the perfect place for your favourite sport.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there is something for everyone. In Tardets you will find a “no kill” circuit. You can get your fishing permit at the Tourist Information Office.

An enchanting fortified town

A unique and colourful architecture

A stunning, brightly coloured town square surrounded by archways, some of which date back to the 12th century. The town square is actually a triangular shape, due to the river’s course, which is unusual for a fortified town. The house facades have been repainted to reflect their original colours. Those who lived in the town centre, merchants or noblemen, would use bright colours that were frequently renewed in order to demonstrate that their spending power was greater than their neighbours.

The history of the province is a succession of bloody battles that frequently opposed the Bearnais and the Souletins.

In 1307, Auger III of Mauléon fled to Navarre rather than submit to the King of England. He founded the fortified town “Villeneuve les Tardets” in 1299.

History in every corner of the village

If you stroll through the town, you will inevitably find yourself facing the 19th century church and its impressive gold and pink coloured altarpiece. It is open from 9am to 8pm. You will be able to pause for thought and reflection opposite the stele for the French escapees. This memorial honours the resistance fighters who left France during the Second World War to join the Liberation Army via Spain.

It is situated near the old communal wash house, which reminds us of the women's essential role during the Occupation. They used this household task as an excuse to transmit secret information to the passeurs, who guided escapees over the high mountain paths.

A lively village

Joseph Augustin Chaho’s village

Joseph Augustin Chaho or Agosti Xaho, born on 10th October 1811 in Tardets, is a Basque academic and author of an impressive work, completed almost on his own, promoting the Basque language and culture.

He is the inventor of the “zazpiak bat” formula: “the seven (provinces) are one” which has since become the Basque Country motto. He recommended that the Basque language be taught in schools, and was one of the first to write a number of theses advocating independence for the Basque Country.

A commemorative plaque behind the covered trinquet pelote court reminds us that here was born a great man.

The Prefosta youth association, founded in 2015, is working to bring new cultural life to this building. It offers multiple activities in partnership with different local inhabitants to promote local culture and encourage social ties in a friendly atmosphere.

These events are often on Friday evenings.

A relaxed and festive lifestyle.

Les couleurs de la bastide médiévale sont reposantes et les restaurants de la place sont tous aussi bons les uns que les autres.

Quand les beaux jours pointent le bout de leur nez, les baignades, les balades dans les petites ruelles et les pique-niques sont au rendez-vous.

La fameuse foire au fromage, qui a lieu chaque année le premier jeudi après le 15 août marque le début des fêtes de Tardets. En hiver la sortie incontournable est le carnaval de Tardets.

The medieval town’s colours are relaxing and the restaurants in the town square all serve delicious food.

Swimming, picnics, and walks through the picturesque streets await you on sunny days.

The famous cheese fair, which happens every year on the first Thursday after 15th August marks the beginning of the celebrations in Tardets. In winter, be sure not to miss Tardets carnival.

The main events

A colourful carnival

Entertaining Basque folk dances, parades, fire-eaters and more besides are sure to enchant and sweep you up with its welcoming atmosphere.

The Tardets festival

Around 15 August

The opportunity to experience something unique.
Organised by the village youth, every year they come up with a new exciting programme: concerts, Basque dances, games of pelote, kantaldi (Basque songs), discos, toros de fuego fireworks…

The cheese fair

15 August

As is tradition this fair announces the start of the village festivities. The fair is the perfect opportunity to taste local cheeses and meet the producers. There is something to suit everyone’s tastes. You will also be able to try your hand at a game of “pelote”.

Ecopiknik

A convivial moment by the water
On multiple occasions throughout the summer, farmers will organise small markets. A collective barbecue is organised at the edge of the River Tardets. You can cook the meat you purchase on site, quench your thirst with a beer, all while listening to the band playing. It’s a simple, fun-filled evening

Prepare your stay in Tardets and surroundings

Zure oporrak apailtzeko

Find all the accommodation in the village, as well as all the activities, restaurants and producers to meet on site

The accommodations in Tardets and the area Atharratzeko ostatalekuak
Activities in Tardets and the area Atharratzeko jarduerak
The visits to Tardets and the area Atharratzeko bisitak

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