Church of St. John the Baptist Historical monument in Larrau near the Saint-Joseph chapel

This building, begun in 1193, was originally the chapel of a hospital-priory dependent on the Abbey of Sauvelade. The small rectangular nave was extended westward in the first half of the 16th century, given a bell tower-porch, and flanked to the east by two side chapels. Damage sustained during the Wars of Religion led to repairs in 1655. The church, deconsecrated during the French Revolution, served as a fodder store during the passage of a troop of 10,000 men, before becoming the parish church.

The church still retains a Romanesque apse today and has been listed in its entirety as a Historical Monument since 2003.

In 2008, it underwent a restoration of its interior and furniture.

In addition, a 40-minute sound and light show has been installed to retrace the rich and closely linked history of the village and its church, through the highlighting of the furniture (listed or registered), the vaults, the stained glass windows…

A history marked by the passage of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, passing by the Saint Joseph chapel, built in 1656 at an altitude of 1300 m by the village monks. A history steeped in the way of life of livestock farmers, witnesses to the harshness of mountain and cross-border life.

Prices: audio guide €2 for 45 minutes (self-guided tour)

Another nearby visit

The Saint-Joseph chapel : located on the road to the Port de Larrau at an altitude of 1,250 m. Built in the 16th century , it was faithfully restored by the municipality in 1993.