Sauveterre de Bearn

Tuesday morning I took a stroll around Saint Jean Pied de Port, including a walk along the Nive River, while Ann finished off some work.

In the afternoon we headed out for an excursion to Sauveterre de Bearn, a medieval town in the Bearn department.  The medieval center of town was quite impressive, with much of its old wall still intact.  At the top of the town was a magnificent church overlooking the Gave d'Oloron River.  Looking down from the viewing point next to the church afforded great views of the river, as well as the ancient bridge that jutted out into the river.  Afterwards, we walked down to the bridge and had a great view up to the church.

After leaving Sauveterre we drove towards the Chateau de Iholdy on the way back to Saint Jean Pied de Port, but unfortunately the chateau is closed this time of year, and the gate and hedges prevented us from getting a good view or any photos.  After we got back I went to Domaine Brana for a tasting of their Irouleguy wines, which Ann had to skip because she had a cold.  Domaine Brana is possibly the best Irouleguy producer, and their prices reflect that.  Their whites were just too good to pass up even though I had planned to buy mostly red wines in this region, but I also bought one of their ageworthy reds.