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Discover the 18 villages of Ossau Valley
Castet
Presentation
Castet, a viewpoint over the valley
Castet is a very pretty village that owes its name to the fortified castle built in the 12th century. All that remains today is the keep.
Next door is the restored, listed Saint-Polycarpe church of Romanesque origin (apse in the shape of a cul-de-four and vaulted nave, listed altar and altarpieces, octagonal bell tower on a square base).
The whole complex is perched on a glacial outcrop, a lookout point from which you can admire the view over the Gave and Lac de Castet, a reservoir created to harness hydroelectric power.
Above the village is the Port de Castet (868 m), a beautiful pastoral plateau, the "counterpart" to the Benou plateau opposite.
The plateau is the starting point for a number of hiking and mountain-biking trails and, in summer, donkey rides.
To the west of the village is the Lac de Castet, a natural site dedicated to walking (numerous activities and events during the school holidays: access from the left bank, Ayguelade district of Bielle).
Next door is the restored, listed Saint-Polycarpe church of Romanesque origin (apse in the shape of a cul-de-four and vaulted nave, listed altar and altarpieces, octagonal bell tower on a square base).
The whole complex is perched on a glacial outcrop, a lookout point from which you can admire the view over the Gave and Lac de Castet, a reservoir created to harness hydroelectric power.
Above the village is the Port de Castet (868 m), a beautiful pastoral plateau, the "counterpart" to the Benou plateau opposite.
The plateau is the starting point for a number of hiking and mountain-biking trails and, in summer, donkey rides.
To the west of the village is the Lac de Castet, a natural site dedicated to walking (numerous activities and events during the school holidays: access from the left bank, Ayguelade district of Bielle).
