A memory of the Knights of Malta
You'll love !
- the effigy
- the view of the Pyrénées
- the simplicity of the architecture
Arthez-de-Béarn is an ancient fortified village perched above the plain of the Gave de Pau. It was one of the key parts of the defensive system set up by Gaston Fébus. The Pilgrim route from Le-Puy-en-Velay traverses the village and it is still an important staging post on the route to Compostella.
Just as you leave the village, take a detour to the chapel of Caubin, classified as a Historical Monument. This old Order of the Knights of Malta commanderie dates from the 12th century. It was built by order of Gaston IV le Croisé.
This small chapel is exceptional for its Romanesque architecture having a roof which is almost entirely flat (somewhat rare in Béarn) having a simple layout with a single nave a sculpted entrance and a bell wall.
Inside in a Gothic crypt is the effigy of a knight of the 14th century. This knight has been finely sculpted and is covered in chainmail with a sword at his side.
Behind the small door, a wooded garden offers a clear view over the Pyrénées and the Béarnais countryside. On the other side of the road, is a stone oratory built in the 20th century. These stones rounded by the river are found throughout traditional buildings in Béarn.
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Chapelle de Caubin de style roman à nef unique -
Chapelle de Caubin du 12ème siècle à Arthez de Béarn -
Enfeu et tribune de la chapelle de Caubin du 12ème siècle -
Cour de la chapelle de Caubin à Arthez de Béarn -
La chapelle de Caubin vue depuis le parc -
La chapelle de Caubin fait face aux Pyrénées -
Style roman de la chapelle de Caubin -
Chapelle de Caubin à Arthez de Béarn et son style roman -
Enfeu de la chapelle de Caubin à Arthez de Béarn -
The Chapel of Caubin in Arthez-de-Béarn -
Tribune de la chapelle de Caubin à Arthez de Béarn
Guided tours summer 2024
Opening hours 2024 :
Wednesday 24 July at 10.30 am
Prices :
Full price: €6
Reduced rate (students, jobseekers): €5
Young people (aged 6 to 16): €3
Family package (2 adults + 2 young people): €15
Free for children under 6
Reservations required online or by telephone on 05 59 12 30 40.
Groups welcome all year round by prior arrangement
