Amou brings together a private 17th-century château, historic church architecture and activities on the Luy de Béarn. During your stay, you can focus on architectural history, the Landes races held each year, or seasonal experiences by the river. These themes offer different perspectives—from the townscape and architecture to movement and landscape.
Heritage and townscape
The Château d'Amou is a private historic monument dating from the 17th century. It was built in 1678 to plans by Mansart and has remained in the same family since its construction, passed down through the direct line. At the entrance is a Gallo-Roman mosaic from the 4th century. The building thus brings together 17th-century architectural history and a much older mosaic.
Notable features of Saint-Pierre Church include a Romanesque apse and a bell-tower porch dating from the 15th century. These different architectural elements offer concrete points of reference for taking a closer look at the town’s architecture. You can get a guide from the tourist office for a visit to the church.
You can also focus on architecture while walking through Amou: the streets are lined with flowers, and there are old houses and carved roof overhangs. This offers a different perspective from taking a close look at individual buildings. The streets, houses and their details themselves become part of the townscape.
Landes races and the ganaderia
Landes races are held every year at the Arènes Jean Lafittau. The arena was built in 1954 with the help of volunteers and is listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. Its construction date and listing add two distinct historical aspects to its recurring use as an event venue.
The Ganaderia Deyris offers another perspective on the Landes races. It invites you to see the free-roaming cows that take part in the races. You may also meet the ganadero, who explains how he raises the cattle. While the Arènes are the venue for the annual races, the ganaderia focuses on the animals and, if you get the chance to meet him, on how they are raised.
On the Luy de Béarn: water and landscape
The Luy de Béarn flows through Amou and is the setting for a range of activities. In July and August, self-guided canoe trips can be rented on the river. Reservations are required, either by phone or at the Amou tourist office desk. Fishing is also possible on the Luy de Béarn in Amou; fishing permits are sold at the tourist office.
The Circuit du ruisseau des Landes d'Andriaou offers a different perspective on the area. It invites you to discover the agricultural plain of the Luy de Béarn. The activities have distinct focuses: canoeing and fishing take place on the river, while the circuit centers on the agricultural plain.
Another active option
Accrobranche Amou offers twelve courses, ranging from green to black difficulty levels. This stated range gives you a concrete indication of what is on offer and makes it another option alongside the townscape, heritage and activities on the Luy de Béarn.
Discover more destinations: Arjuzanx, Saint-Justin, Gamarde-les-Bains, Oeyreluy, Biarrotte, Ousse-Suzan, Bascons, Mimizan
For the broader travel overview: Landes.
