Aste-Béon

Presentation

Beneath the vultures’ flight

Aste and Béon reveal two complementary sides: one faces the mountain pastures and high peaks, whilst the other is defined by its history and cliffs inhabited by vultures.
Between pastoral heritage and spectacular natural scenery, these villages offer an authentic glimpse into the soul of the Ossau region.

Aste, a view of the glacial valley

Nestled at the foot of the mountains, Aste offers a privileged view of the surrounding landscapes.
In the heart of the village, the facade of the town hall catches the eye, displaying the valley’s emblematic symbols: the bear, from which the name Ossau may derive, and the cow, a figure of the pastoral world.
Aste is also a summer pasture district, facing the mountains, with the Port d’Aste, a natural passageway to the heights, dotted with traditional barns.

Béon, the vultures’ lair

A few kilometres away, Béon reveals a completely different character.
Situated at an altitude of 450 metres, this village was once a seigneury within the Viscounty of Béarn.
Its church is particularly worth a visit, especially for its altarpiece and paintings.

But it is above all when you look up that Béon reveals its true uniqueness... Overlooking the village, the Pène de Béon is home to a remarkable population of birds of prey in its cliffs. Grifon vultures and Egyptian vultures nest in these cliffs, and can sometimes be seen circling majestically in the sky.

Like Aste, Béon also has its own district of barns, the Port de Béon, a testament to a pastoral tradition deeply rooted in local customs.