Founded in 1167 by the Premonstratensian Monks of Case-Dieu, the former abbey of St Mary in Arthous, situated on the Way of St James and in the commune of Hastingues, near the Basque Country, is today home to the Landes Departmental Heritage Centre. Dating from the 12th century, its Romanesque church has a splendid chevet decorated with 59 corbels and 9 capitals with plant and historical motifs!
Interactive and amusing, the abbey museum houses archaeological collections relating to the heritage of the Orthe area, from Prehistory to the Gallo-Roman period.
Each Whitsun weekend, the International Ceramic Festival is held at Arthous Abbey. With more than 70 exhibitors, activities and conferences, it is the biggest market for ceramicists in Aquitaine!
