History
..: First fortified city of France :..

The construction of a bridge at the end of 13th century brought the Foundation of the Country house of Navarrenx established in 1316.

The bridge facilitates the access to the Pathes of the Pyrenees and Navarre, giving the name to
the city.

Bank of the Gave and the 13th century bridge
 


A first fortress in "Castérasse" erected before 1290 dominates the Gave river.

In order to reinforce the military value of the city in the 16th century, after the destruction of "Castérasse", Henri II of Albret had the current ramparts built under the control of an Italian architect Fabricio SICILIANO.

Navarrenx became the first bastioned city of France one century before VAUBAN.

Saint Antoine's entrance

Principal elements are :
1657 meter-length classified ramparts (1538-1547).
The interior ground trimming to the ramparts reinforces their resistance : pieces of artillery
are in withdrawal and their position supresses the dead angles.
Gunpowder storage is an evidence of the freestone military architecture.
Military fountain : allowed to provide the garrison in water in case of seat.
Storage of weapons (1680) : the court might have sheltered 30 000 balls or grenades
 

Remparts of Navarrenx


Outlines of the city are completely altered by the military architecture.

St-Germain church, classified, built in 1551 ; it is in late Gothic style and includes masks decorations in stone, one wears a pilgrim hat. Tables were offered by Napoleon 3rd. The church was finished in 1852 .

During religion wars, the baron Bernard d'Arros (general lieutenant of the Queen Jeanne d'Albret) stood up a 4 month-old seat in 1569, before being helped by the Protestant head Montgomery.


Navarrenx map - Click to enlarge

The bridge was rebuilt in 1583 and ment in the18th and 19th centuries ; the way was increased up to 5,5 m width in 1988.

During the 17th century, Navarrenx was considered as a river port for mature rafts. 300 rafts proceded each year.

During the 19th century, the city lost its military function.

model of navarrenx - Click to enlarge