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The “Pays d’Art et d’histoire” of the valleys of the Aure and Louron
In terms of a participative decision by the country, the label “Pays d’Art et d’histoire” was attributed to the Aure and Louron valleys in January 2008 by the Minister of Culture and Communication.
It includes the three districts of Arreau, Bordères Louron and Vielle Aure, and aims to invigorate the countryside around the heritage centre of Arreau.
To whom was it addressed ?
- To the inhabitants, but also to the secondary residents so that between them and their children an attachment to the area could be encouraged,
- To the children; those of the valley in relation to the schools and the Arreau College, those from elsewhere (discovery classes, the environment, heritage, and those whose parents are on vacation,
- To the visitors: tourists, holidaymakers, celebrators and guests of skiers etc.
Why the label ?
Besides the economic effects of cultural tourism and a better distribution through the year, the label created a synergy between the inhabitants, the local artisans and the tourists who participate in the countryside, so that they become more involved and contribute to the local heritage. It also allows the valleys to be associated with the Heritage Network of “Villes de Pays d’Art” and to thus benefit from a national communications network.
Download the winter programm of the Pays d'Art et d'histoire
The objectives of the Aure and Louron Valleys:
* • The involvement “with and for the inhabitants” in local history and with each of the villages;
* • To guard, enhance and improve the local heritage in all its forms:
- Natural history and valley life;
- Architectural history (civil and religious) of the 50 villages, their mountain buildings, artistic riches including 15 historic monuments and especially its “sacred route” of roman churches with splendid interior decoration and wall paintings;
- The knowledge, both traditional and modern in the form of country crafts – shepherds, foresters, craftsmen, technologists, industrialists without forgetting the transfer of mountain living to the younger generations.
* The introduction of architecture, countryside and educational developments to the next generation;
* The development of high quality “cultural” tourism;
* 6) Entertainments on various themes mountain life, forestry and agriculture, mountain roads, streams and rivers, stone and the art of building; the villages; the frontier; the pyreneen style and the sacred route of roman churches ;
* 7) Cultural services introduced through involvement in heritage weekends themed visits, expositions and country fairs in spring and autumn.