A Marian shrine has stood on the hill of Maylis since at least the 14th century. The pilgrimage tradition goes back even further: since the 13th century, all the neighbouring parishes have come to Maylis in procession, and it remains a place of pilgrimage. The shrine welcomes pilgrims seeking refuge there. This gives trip planning a clear cultural focus. Church art, gardens and routes through the Chalosse add a range of ways to explore the town and its surroundings alongside the pilgrimage theme.
Pilgrimage, architectural history and church art
The large church in Maylis is a neo-Gothic building dating from 1875 and houses both old and contemporary works of art. Its construction date and art collection offer different thematic perspectives: one focuses on 19th-century architecture, the other on works from different periods. Those interested in religious architecture will also find a connection to art here.
The Circuit des 5 Clochers offers a different focus. The route passes through the Chalosse landscape and takes in five churches. This brings two different perspectives together: the large church in Maylis, with its architectural history and works of art, and a route centred on several churches. When planning, you can decide whether you would rather focus on a single church building or follow a route that takes in five religious buildings.
Festivals and dates
Two festivals also mark the year. In Maylis, the FĂŞte des champs is celebrated on the third Sunday after Easter. The FĂŞte des lys, now called the FĂŞte des familles, takes place on or around 20 August. One date depends on Easter, while the other falls around a time in August. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the relevant event date in advance.
Gardens, views and routes through the Chalosse
The abbey overlooks the Chalosse landscape. In suitable weather, the Pyrenees can be seen on the horizon. The abbey park and monastic gardens are also inviting places for a stroll. This means you can include time outdoors alongside the town’s cultural and historical attractions in your plans.
For a longer hike, the approximately 55 km GRP de pays de Chalosse loop offers a clear route. It mainly covers the area around Montfort-en-Chalosse, Mugron, Montaut and Maylis. Its length sets it apart from a stroll in the park and gardens, and it can be considered a hiking option in its own right. The Circuit des 5 Clochers offers a different thematic perspective, taking in five churches, without requiring both routes to be planned in the same way.
From the top of the church tower in Maylis, you can see around twelve nearby church towers. Check access arrangements locally before planning your climb. The tower ascent thus complements the routes through the landscape with a view of other church towers.
Getting there and staying
To avoid very small roads, it is recommended that you approach the abbey via the nearby village of Saint Aubin, which is on a main road, or via Doazit, and then continue on to Maylis. Check these directions again before your trip.
There is a small shop at the entrance to the abbey, where guests and passing pilgrims can find products made by the monks of Maylis. Anyone can stay for a few days at Abbaye Notre-Dame de Maylis. Whether a stay is possible on your dates depends on the abbey’s arrangements. When planning your accommodation, you can consider this independent option as well as looking for a holiday rental.
Discover more destinations: Lauret, Losse, Coudures, Tilh, Tosse, Maurrin, Pouydesseaux, BĂ©lus.
View the wider travel guide: Landes.
