Abbey of Arthous A journey through time in the heart of the Pays d'Orthe

Nestled amidst verdant landscapes at the crossroads of the Landes, the Basque Country, and Béarn regions, Arthous Abbey offers a timeless escape. Founded in the 12th century, it was inhabited by Premonstratensian canons until the French Revolution, then transformed into a farm before becoming a listed historical monument. Its renown stems from the remarkable Romanesque decoration of its apse, composed of corbels and capitals sculpted with biblical and secular figures, fantastical and real animals, depictions of vices and punishments, and plant motifs. Now restored, this witness to over 850 years of eventful history reveals its many facets.

Discover a listed monument where the beauty of sculpted stone, the richness of a historical and fun tour suitable for families, and the shared emotion of a cultural and artistic program all come together.

Open to the public from April to October.

Arthous Abbey is open:

• From April ^1st to June 30th, from 2pm to 5:30pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• From July ^1st to September 30th, from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm. Closed on Mondays.
• From September ^1st to October 31st, from 2pm to 5:30pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Closed on May ^1st.

PRICES

• Full price: €5;
• Reduced price: €3.50;
• Free entry for those under 25 and for everyone on the first weekends of the month.

AGENDA 2026

• Permanent Exhibition – “ Once upon a time… Arthous” »

Presented in the former canons' cells, this exhibition recounts the successive lives of the heritage site from its foundation to the present day.

• Permanent Exhibition – The “Treasure Room” »

Three remarkable horse sculptures, discovered by archaeologist Robert Arambourou in 1961 during excavations of prehistoric shelters near Sorde-l'Abbaye, have found a home at the abbey. Considered the jewels of the departmental collection, these masterpieces include the largest known Magdalenian sculpture in the round. The exhibition design offers visitors an encounter between original works sculpted more than 17,000 years ago and the contemporary perspective of photographer Claire Artemyz.

• Permanent Exhibition – The “Sculpture Room” »

This space highlights a collection of restored medieval sculptures from the abbey, including elements from the western portal of the abbey church and the two monumental fragments of the tympanum depicting an Adoration of the Magi.

• Permanent Exhibition – The “Orthe Country Room”

The Pays d'Orthe, the territory where the abbey was founded, can be discovered through chronological, historical and fun modules, from prehistory to the present day.

• Permanent Trail – Discover the abbey while having fun

Permission to touch: reproductions of the sculpted bestiary allow you to guess with your fingertips the Romanesque decor of the old abbey church.

Permission to manipulate: thanks to the modules installed in the " Model Room ", discover the architecture of the abbey.

Play permit: families, and especially children, can be equipped for the visit with a bag containing game cards, binoculars, coloring… A family investigation is available online on the Wivisite application: “ The mystery of Arthous or the quest for the forgotten secret ”.