Orthez and Peyrehorade

On our second full day in Salies-de-Bearn, we visited three of the neighboring towns,  Orthez  (where our mom lived for a year in her childhood), Peyrehorade, and Sorde L'Abbaye. In the latter town we saw an ancient monastery overlooking the gave d'Oloron founded in the 10th century. This monastery is on the site of an ancient Roman ruin, a house complete with central heating, which unfortunately was not open due to ongoing renovations to be completed by 2017.
After lunch we went to gouter (afternoon tea) at the house of our mom's grandparent's first cousin's grandson Alain Mousqes, and his wife Olga. We were joined by their daughter Florence and her daughter Anne-Sophie, as well as Marien Goue, our maternal aunt's English teacher from when they lived here. Gouter consisted of bread with pate and caviar, and ended with cake. (TS)

The Pont Vieux bridge in Orthez, from the 13th century

The cellar in the monastery, used for grain and wine storage.  The monks directed a large force of farmers who worked the land.

Supplies were brought in through this gate from the river

Nathaniel, Maryrose, and the author outside the monastery, with the church visible in the background

Inside the monastery

Outside the monastery

Inside the monastery church

Mom with a pain (left) and a baguette (right) in front of our rustic house in Salies de Bearn.

From left to right, Theodore, Maryrose, Olga, mom, Alain, Nathaniel, Florence, and Marian

From left to right, Theodore, Anne-Sophie, Olga, mom, Alain, Nathaniel, Florence, and Marian