Bonnegarde can be understood through its landscape and history as well as its activities today. The Castéra is a wooded hill with very steep slopes above the plain; Edward I founded a bastide on the promontory of Bonnegarde in 1279. Mountain biking, equestrian activities and a farm in Bonnegarde that processes milk add to these historic points of interest. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between local history, outdoor activity and local production.

The Castéra and Bonnegarde’s history

The Castéra of Bonnegarde is a wooded hill with very steep slopes, rising above the plain. Its ancient earthworks once served as an important lookout and observation post. The Castéra promontory was fortified with a ditch and a 16-metre-high rampart. The terrain and its historic defensive role go hand in hand here: the hill is both a feature of the landscape and a point of reference for the history of the fortifications.

Bonnegarde’s history can also be placed in context across different periods. The Gallic archaeological site was inhabited from the 1st century to the end of the 2nd century. Later, in 1279, Edward I founded a bastide on the promontory of Bonnegarde. This comparison of periods shows that local history did not begin solely with the medieval foundation. The Château de Bonnegarde is also part of the present-day picture and is currently a private residence.

Mountain biking and equestrian activities

For an active way to experience the area, the Circuit des Luys offers a varied mountain bike route around the Luys valleys. The route was developed in collaboration with the municipality of Bonnegarde. It includes the route point “Le Luy de Béarn” at 1111 route vieille d'Amou in Bonnegarde. The Circuit is therefore a clear focus for cycling; local history offers a different perspective and can be explored independently through the Castéra and the founding of the bastide.

Les Crins des Liens offers equestrian activities on its farm in Bonnegarde for educational, therapeutic and leisure purposes. The individually tailored activities can last a full day or half a day. Visitors are welcomed by appointment. If you would like to include this activity in your plans, arrange your visit in advance. This makes it different to plan than the historic sites: a booked appointment is an integral part of the offer.

Milk processing in Bonnegarde

Another local highlight is the Ferme des 12 vaches. The farm makes dairy products from cow’s milk and processes all of its milk on site. This means that production itself takes its place alongside the landscape, history and activities. For trip planning, this insight into production complements the other themes without combining them into a single excursion programme.

These highlights cater to different interests: the Castéra and the founding of the bastide provide a framework for local history, the Circuit des Luys is for mountain biking, and a visit to Les Crins des Liens requires an appointment. The Ferme des 12 vaches adds a look at cow’s milk processing. You can therefore explore Bonnegarde according to your interests in history, outdoor activity, equestrian activities or local production.

Discover more destinations: Mimbaste, Ousse-Suzan, Montgaillard, Sore, Beylongue, Gamarde-les-Bains, Louer, Saint-Gor.

For the broader travel overview: Landes.