As our train sped onward from Bordeaux toward Pau last Tuesday, we passed through a town with an ancient arched bridge over a river with beautiful old buildings making up a town to the left. We both said, oh, we are coming back here.
The town is called Orthez and it’s just a 20-minute train ride back toward Bordeaux from Pau. We came back. Man, oh man, how pretty! I wondered, do the people who live here grasp how beautiful their town is or do they think . . . it is just as it always was and is nothing special. It was incredibly spectacular for us!
Although there are twelve or thirteen notable sights to see there (we saw them all), the most impressive is the bridge we glimpsed on our train ride through the town.
Once, way back in history, the bridge was constructed from river stones and mortar to connect two major trade routes, Bordeaux to Spain and Bayonne to Toulouse. The bridge also served as a medium for a strong town defense. It’s been standing here with its mismatched shaped arches since 1274. Yes, it’s so very old! It is thrilling to simply touch the stone pillars built by men so long ago but more, the bridge is a breathtakingly beautiful sight overlooking the winding green river, Gave de Pau. In the middle of the bridge is a lookout tower that once notified townsfolk of attack or impending dangers.
Scenes from the river to the bridge and from the bridge to the river both are serene and picturesque like scenes that should be painted on canvas.
We spent the entire day looking, seeing, walking, and trekking this wonderful little historic town. We had a very nice lunch and with an hour to spare . . . Stan got a haircut . . . a really good one!
As we left the Funicular from the train station in Pau, we heard drums. Of course, we followed them. The commotion was at City Hall, Marie de Pau (Hotel de Ville as they call city halls here), just on the other side of the park. The happy sounds were from a wedding celebration! The wedding party played drums on the street and the wedding party marched.
What a beautiful bridge . . . just think of the stories it would tell, if it could! Great haircut, Stan! From our cozy chairs, we continue to enjoy traveling with you two. Stay safe!
Gail, that bridge was pastoral, serene, historic and so beautiful– our cameras were not able to capture it in its full glory. I’m so glad you guys are hanging in there with us! Hugs to you and Chuck!
What an interesting day! The wedding procession is something that continued in Charleston until present times. Elsa’s youngest daughter who was married 5 yrs ago received one of the last permits issued in Charleston for a wedding. It is a joyous moment for all to be processing through quaint streets of one’s hometown in public recognition of wedding vows. I love those arches learned from the Romans and incorporated into European towns even decades later in the 1200s; really speaks o Roman assimilation into the French culture. To walk those streets is a testament to our European heritage, with history of pain and glory written through ages.
Really enjoyed this post and tell Stan his new haircut is debonair!
Aren’t weddings fun! We love them! The joy, the expectations, the regalia, the families! I’m happy Elsa’s daughter was able to get married like this! What a happy day that must have been! And you’re right, the Roman influence all over Europe is evidenced almost everywhere we visit. The arches, the aqueducts, and the fountains! Ths was, after all, part of the Roman empire centuries ago.
Oh my, this might be my favorite place you’ve visited so far. I have enjoyed “traveling” with you both so much and I look forward to each new post. Stay safe.
Hi Judy, I’m glad you liked Orthez — it was like a storybook setting. By the way, on a walk the other day we saw four ponies. They were larger that the tiny horses you raise but every time we see ponies I think of you.t