SAINT JEAN LE VIEUX

Surrounded by whitewater and mountains dotted with protohistoric remains, Saint Jean Le Vieux occupies a strategic position at the entrance to the plain of Cize. The Romans settled there from 15 BC to install a bus station designated by an ancient document under the name of Imus Pyrenaeus (foot of the Pyrenees). The excavations on this site, discovered in 1965 by Mr TOBIE and classified as a Historic Monument in 1984, have brought to light the thermal baths as well as various furniture (amphorae, coins, glass, ceramics ...) exhibited in the visitable museum built in proximity. An archaeological activities center initiated by the Gapo offers various activities ranging from simulation of excavations, to flint cutting or activities around life in the Gallo-Roman era. The pole is aimed at everyone: children, schools, leisure centers, families ...
On the left bank of the Laurhibar, the ruined chapel of St Jean d'Urrutia is the old parish church of what was the capital of the Pays de Cize from the 11th to the 13th century.
The places of worship of the pilgrims of St Jacques, the inns and hostels there were particularly numerous, there are still a few.
Besides the modest chapel of St John of Urrutia, we will visit Saint Peter of Usakoa, the current parish church with its beautiful Roman portal, the St Blaise chapel of Aphat Ospitalia, as well as the Church of the Madeleine or " Recluse ".
A marked trail of about 10 km will take you to these remains from different eras. To do by car but, for more charm, on foot or by bike.