Saint-Barthélemy lies on the banks of the Adour, a few kilometres upstream from its mouth. The local Barthes form a distinctive wetland of wooded areas and flood-prone meadows. Together with the paths through the landscape and the historic buildings, they make this a destination where nature and local history both shape your stay.

The wetlands and wildlife of the Barthes

The Barthes provide a habitat for cranes, spoonbills, storks, herons, gulls and songbirds. Protected species also include otters, minks and European pond turtles, as well as stag beetles, angelica and Marsilea species. The presence of these species can vary seasonally. The mix of wooded areas and flood-prone meadows is a defining feature of the wetlands; the animal and plant species mentioned illustrate the diversity of their habitats.

Nearby, the birdwatching tower in the Lesgau hunting reserve offers the opportunity to observe numerous birds while out walking. Cranes are also among them in winter. As access rules may change, check the current conditions before your visit.

Circular trails with different levels of difficulty

At 12.7 kilometres, the “Circuit des Barthes Hautes” is almost as long as the 12.6-kilometre “L’Adour à Saint-Barthélemy” loop. The Circuit des Barthes Hautes is rated moderate and is suitable for hiking and mountain biking. Its theme is the Adour and the Barthes; near the Pont de Palle, it reaches a stand of willows, alders, elms and ash trees.

“L’Adour à Saint-Barthélemy” is marked in blue and is also suitable for hiking or mountain biking. The loop starts at the church and passes through woods, slopes and flood-prone meadows. Along the Adour, it follows a broad, flat cycle path. So the similar trail lengths are not the only guide when choosing: one route is described as moderate, while the other is identified by its blue markings and its course along the river. Trail conditions may vary seasonally; before setting out on “L’Adour à Saint-Barthélemy,” check the conditions and markings.

The “Circuit du Séqué” passes through the marshy woodland of the Lesteyras valley, which is home to a diverse range of animal and plant life. The valley forms part of the larger Barthes de l’Adour valley, which is part of the European Natura 2000 ecological network. An information board also marks the starting point of a signposted walking trail of about 12 kilometres.

Church, views and history

The Gothic church of Saint-Barthélemy stands on a rocky outcrop. A viewpoint at the church offers panoramic views over the Barthes, the Basque Country and the Pyrenees; visibility depends on the weather. The former church was replaced in 1873 by a Neo-Gothic building designed by Soussigné, an architect from Biarritz.

The name Mont Paludar is also part of the town’s history: Saint-Barthélemy was formerly a barony of Gosse belonging to the Albret lordship and became an independent commune under this name in 1789. Until the 19th century, Saint-Barthélemy had a small port on the Adour. At that time, the river was an important navigable waterway in the region. These former roles place the town in a different era and add to the picture conveyed today above all by the river landscape, the Barthes and the walking trails.

Discover more destinations

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For the main travel overview: Landes.