Hagetmau brings together a pilgrim route, tangible evidence of its heritage, recurring events, and sports and nature activities. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering the different highlights: would you like to explore the town’s history, plan your visit around an event, or focus on exercise and nature?
Pilgrim Route and Heritage
Hagetmau lies on the Via Lemovicensis, also known as the Voie de Vézelay. It is one of four routes to Santiago de Compostela. In the Landes département, the Voie de Vézelay was restored and signposted between 1998 and 2000. Both Hagetmau’s location on this route and its history in the département are points of interest for anyone interested in pilgrim routes.
A tangible link to the town’s older architectural history is the crypt of Saint-Girons. It is the only visible remnant today of an 11th-century abbey; its column capitals are classified as historic monuments. Capitals are the upper parts of columns—here, specific architectural elements in the crypt are classified as monuments. The Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is also part of the town’s heritage and is a centuries-old building. The historical information given about the two sites differs: for the crypt, it is the link to the abbey and the capitals that are specified; for the church, it is the building’s age and its place in the town’s heritage.
Markets and Events Throughout the Year
Events take place from July through the end of October. In July, the Marché des Producteurs de Pays brings together agricultural producers and craftspeople. Local and seasonal products, along with regional specialties, are on offer. Market dates may change, so check them if you are planning your trip specifically around the market.
The annual Féria du Novillo takes place in the first week of August. Its programme includes bandas, a Course landaise, novilladas, a parade and activities for children. Exact dates and programme details may vary from year to year, so it is a good idea to check the current events calendar before your trip. The Fête de la Chaise is held every year at the end of October, at the Rotonde and in the Marché Couvert; its exact dates may also change.
The events have different focuses: the July market centres on producers and their products, while the Féria brings together several programme items. The Fête de la Chaise, in turn, takes place at the end of October and is held at two venues in Hagetmau. If a particular festival is the reason for your trip, the exact dates and programme details are important.
Sports Facilities and Exercise
The Centre aquatique d’Hagetmau has a covered Olympic-size swimming pool and a leisure pool, as well as a slide, whirlpool, current channel, solarium and hydromassage benches. The La Cité Verte sports complex also has a covered Olympic-size swimming pool and a leisure pool. Other facilities listed there include rugby and football pitches, a multipurpose sports hall, a synthetic athletics track, a dojo, tennis courts, a golf practice facility and a compact 9-hole course.
The facilities described therefore range from water activities to sports pitches and indoor venues. Before your trip, check current availability and the services on offer if you are planning to visit.
Walking Trail and Nature at Lac d’Agès
Lac d’Agès has a six-kilometre circular trail suitable for family walks, jogging and fishing. In winter, herons and various species of duck can be spotted at the lake. The trail offers a different kind of exercise from the sports facilities: a clearly measured route around Lac d’Agès and seasonal wildlife watching, rather than swimming pools, indoor venues or sports pitches.
Discover more destinations: Mimbaste, Clermont, Audignon, Vielle-Saint-Girons, Linxe, Orthevielle, Maurrin, Orx.
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