Abbey of Sorde Discover over a thousand years of history in Sorde-l'Abbaye

In the heart of Sorde-l'Abbaye, a village in the southern Landes region and officially recognized as a "Petites Cités de Caractère®" (Small Town of Character ), discover a former Benedictine abbey. It unfolds along the banks of the Gave d'Oloron river in a protected natural setting. A visit to this truly unique site offers some delightful surprises!

Founded in the Middle Ages and remodeled up until the French Revolution, Sorde Abbey reveals its history and architecture through ongoing restorations and archaeological excavations. Visitors can admire the Roman mosaics that once adorned the floors of a luxurious ancient villa buried beneath the abbey. The monumental ruins of the monastic buildings shelter a majestic terrace overlooking the Gave River, beneath which lies a remarkable cryptoporticus : this long underground gallery, connected to a landing stage, offers a unique and unforgettable visitor experience.

Sorde Abbey is classified as a Historical Monument and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

It is open to the public from April to November.

How to visit Sorde Abbey?

CLASSIC TOURS

• Self-guided tour: information panels, interactive kiosk, audio guide
• Guided tour of the monastic buildings or Roman mosaics (by reservation)

THE UNUSUAL VISIT: Trobairitz, a sound journey created for the abbey which tells and sets to music the hidden life of Béatrice de Die, a female troubadour (listen with headphones in 3D sound - equipment provided - on reservation)

FUN VISITS

• Brother John's Games (booklet): a fun way to discover the abbey (free)
• Games... but on the grass : a case of board games is available with a ground mat. Ideal for families!

HERITAGE EVENTS

• SAT. 4-SUN. 5 APRIL: OPEN HOUSE - 2:00 PM-5:30 PM
  Free entry - Self-guided tour
  • Sat. April 4 - 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m .: Disability awareness: signed tour, quiz, role-playing, etc.
  Free - Book now!

• SAT. 13 JUNE and SUN. 14 JUNE: EUROPEAN ARCHAEOLOGY DAYS
  • Sat. June 13: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m.
  Free entry - Self-guided tour
  LECTURE at 10:30 am: "The cryptoporticus of Sorde, a remarkable and unique construction"
  Public presentation of the cryptoporticus excavations by archaeologists from the Éveha research firm. Book now!
  • Sun. June 14: 2pm-5:30pm
  Free entry - Self-guided tour

• TUE. JULY 21: DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY - 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  Price: Abbey entrance - Book now!
  • Live game: 3 sessions at 10:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm - Duration: 2 hours (workshops inspired by escape games based on a police investigation)
  • Signed visit: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Quiz: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Practical exercise: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• SAT. JULY 25: SEPARATE TOUR from 10:30 am to 12 pm
  "On the Way of St. James" : Guided walk through the village on the Tours route to the old hospital founded by the abbey. Meeting with the hospitallers of the pilgrim refuge.
  Price: Abbey entrance + €3 - Book now!

• SAT. 19-SUN. 20 SEPTEMBER: EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS - 10:30am-12:30pm / 2:00pm-5:30pm
  Free entry - Self-guided tour

• SAT. OCTOBER 3: CONFERENCE - 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
  "New History(ies) of Sorde Abbey": Public presentation of scientific studies (SORDUS Collaborative Research Project). In the presence of Laurent Callegarin, Stéphane Abadie, Thibault de Rouvray and Louis Lopétéguy.
  Free - Book now!

Would you like to visit Sorde Abbey and Arthous Abbey, located just 7 km away? You can buy a 2 Abbeys pass for €6.50 (valid for full price admission for those 25 years and older) at the Vallée du Kiwi tourist office in Peyrehorade.

Check out our events here!