Travel Guide Beaucens

Beaucens is a village of 458 inhabitants halfway between Lourdes and the resorts of Barèges/La Mongie, Gavarnie, Cauterets and Luz. An enchanting mountain landscape punctuated by streams and mills, it boasts 7 lakes, including the superb Lac des Gaves. The village's history dates back to 960, when the seigneury of Béoucen became part of the domain of the Viscounts of Lavedan. In the 11th century, they built a castle that became one of the most powerful in Bigorre. It has to be said that the village, nestled between the Gave and the mountains, lends itself perfectly to this task. Dominated by a promontory of ideal shape and height, the castle rises above the trees to offer a 360° view of the valley. But over the centuries, it's the quarrelsome nature of its inhabitants that has left its mark on history. These contentious mountain dwellers have always valiantly defended their pastures. Today, Beaucens retains traces of this flamboyant past, including the sections of the Bedouret chapel, the turrets of the Couhite manor house and, of course, its masterly landmark: the donjon des Aigles. A wide range of leisure activities are available all year round. Mid-mountain hikes are easily accessible, crossing green expanses where flowers grow in abundance. The village is part of the Pyrenees National Park, with two Natura 2000 sites listed for their diversity of flora and fauna. Lac Bleu Léviste, in particular, is typical of the high Pyrenean mountains. In terms of culture, Beaucens is the preserve of artisan potters.