COMMANDERIE DE BESSAUT

Located on the border of Lencouacq and Retjons, the Commanderie de Bessaut, founded in the 13th century by the Order of Saint James of the Red Sword, welcomed pilgrims and the sick on their way to Santiago de Compostela, on the Vézelay route. Ravaged in 1569 during the Wars of Religion, abandoned and replanted with pine trees in the 19th century, the ruins were brought back to life in 1994 thanks to careful restoration work. A superb ogival portal with carved capitals can still be admired. Set in the middle of the forest, this peaceful stopover will appeal to hikers and history buffs alike.