Rimbez-et-Baudiets can be explored through two distinct perspectives: the long construction history of the Église Saint Luperc and a landscape that is around 90 percent forested. There is also the Balade gabardanne, a 69-kilometre cycling loop. Together, these themes show how culture, forests and an extensive cycling activity offer different ways to understand the town and its surroundings.

Église Saint Luperc: a history of construction across several periods

The Église Saint Luperc stands at a site that was already in use in the early Middle Ages. The necropolis surrounding the church building attests to this earlier use. The church itself was built in 1095 following a donation by Bernard de Fourcès. The site's early historical significance and the construction of the church therefore date from two different periods: the site was in use long before the church was built.

The architecture also comprises several building phases. The flat-ended choir, built of medium-sized masonry, dates from the 12th century; the south aisle was added in the 13th century. The building also has a porch, a triangular bell tower and a rectangular tower, with the towers dating from the 14th century. In the 17th century, a presbytery was incorporated into the church. Its complex roof structure adds to the sequence of different architectural elements. Those interested in architectural history will therefore find not just a single date, but a progression from the early church building to later additions.

The Auberge de la Croûte de Pin and its former role

The Auberge de la Croûte de Pin tells another part of the town's history. The municipal building dates from the 19th century and formerly served as an inn and post relay. Stagecoach drivers stopped there to eat and let their horses rest. In the early 20th century, the building was the Hotel de Rimbez. In 2015, it was completely renovated and brought into line with the standards in force at the time. Its various uses place the building within the town's travel history, from a stop for coach drivers to its later designation as a hotel.

La Croûte de Pin is a bistro-restaurant at the Auberge de Rimbez. If you plan to eat there, confirm that it is currently operating before your trip. Honey is also produced and sold in Rimbez-et-Baudiets. If you would like to buy some locally, check availability before your visit.

Forest landscape and the La Gélise Natura 2000 site

Around 90 percent of Rimbez-et-Baudiets is forested. Maritime pines are the main tree species; along the waterways, deciduous trees such as oaks, beeches, chestnuts and acacias grow. The description of the town thus distinguishes between forest areas dominated mainly by pines and the tree species found along the waterways.

Rimbez-et-Baudiets is also part of the La Gélise Natura 2000 site. This includes the Gélise River and its main left-bank tributaries. The site covers 27 municipalities and 3,800 hectares, so its geographical scale extends beyond the boundaries of a single municipality. Eleven species of Community interest are listed for La Gélise. The forest figures describe the local landscape, while the Natura 2000 information also places it in a wider regional context.

Cycling route and local tradition

The official C11 cycling loop, “Balade gabardanne,” is 69 kilometres long and rated easy for road bikes and VTCs. This rating applies to the specified bicycle types. As a named circular route, the Balade gabardanne offers a way to discover the region around Rimbez-et-Baudiets and its landscape. Given its length, it is a tour in its own right; check the route conditions before setting off.

Hunting from a palombière, a traditional pigeon-hunting hide, is also part of local tradition. Along with the historic buildings and the forest landscape, it provides another cultural point of reference for Rimbez-et-Baudiets.

Discover more destinations: Herm, Parleboscq, Saugnac-Et-Cambran, Benquet, Tarnos, Samadet, Labatut, Saint-Vincent-De-Tyrosse

For the wider travel overview: Landes.