The Mysteries of the City 20 and 21 September

This is where it all begins. At the crossroads, between the smell of leather and bursts of laughter, the medieval village plunges you straight into the fantastic world of the Mysteries of the City. Under the canvas of the encampments, knights, craftsmen and storytellers bustle about.

The streets come alive with troubadours and merchants, and children marvel at the role-playing and skill challenges. Parades in armour, battles, jousts, games and other workshops from days gone by will take you back to the life of the military camps of the Middle Ages.

When it’s time for a feast, let yourself be tempted by the taverns of the“Place des rôtisseurs“, the“Placette des estomacs vaillants” or the“Placette des ventres pleins”: here, people happily feast until nightfall! As for the market, it welcomes you with its 80 traders at the foot of the ramparts.

When evening comes, the show comes to life, with sounds, lights and legends beaming down from the ramparts to bring the city to life. A life-size immersion, alive and vibrant…

Experience it with your family, friends or the curious for a day, in the heart of Lescar, like nowhere else.

In the cobbled streets of Lescar, history is a part of every step.
Here, the heritage of the first capital of Béarn is revealed in a lively, immersive atmosphere.

At the“Repère des scribes“, fans of storytelling and the imaginary come together for a book fair, with book signings, meetings and medieval or fantastic worlds.

Further afield, historical re-enactment associations are bringing to life the gestures of yesteryear: a unique opportunity to rediscover life in the Béarn region in the 13th century, as well as daily camp life and its crafts, such as floor forges, woodworking, sewing, weaving and other hunting practices… It’s a sensitive dive that’s both educational and full of surprises.

And if you’re feeling peckish, why not try the“Douces mignardises“, the“Comptoir des sommets” or the“L’instant café“, where you can savour drinks and delicacies in a gourmet nod to the past.

Arts and crafts enthusiasts will reveal their rare skills: stained glass, illumination, violin making, weaving and blacksmithing are all on display in the open air.

At the cathedral, a visit to the Treasury embodies an immemorial heritage that testifies to the importance of the site.
In the forecourt, strolling concerts make the stone vibrate to the sound of bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies and drums.

The museum and guided walks tell the hidden history of Beneharnum, while a mosaic workshop invites young and old to get their hands dirty. All the way to the medieval garden and ramparts, every space becomes a stage, every moment a discovery.