Hastingues is a commune in the Landes department, in the New Aquitaine region, 29 km south of Dax.
Its territory of 14 km² is bordered to the west and south of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the courses of the Gaves reunited and the Bidouze respectively constituting its northern and southern limits. The locality in fact dominates alluvial plains and still has a rural character, covered with cultivated land (72% of its area) and forests (21%).
After the establishment of an abbey along the way to Saint-Jacques in 1160, the village was created at the turn of the 14th century in the form of a bastide with the approval of the English seneschal Jean de Hastings. Besieged in 1377, burnt down in 1523, Hastingues recovers before being affected again during the Wars of Religion.
Nowadays, the bastide has retained its original plan and an exceptional heritage, the Abbey of Arthous also proving to be a cultural center of the Landes. The town (nearly 600 inhabitants) also boasts a preserved environment and dynamic agriculture: production of corn, kiwis, duck farms.
Hastingues has all the advantages of an essential place to visit during a stay in the region...
Now owned by the Department, the abbey founded in the 12th century by the Premonstratensian order has regained all its luster after having been occupied by farmers for a time after the Revolution.
A masterpiece of Romanesque art, it houses a permanent exhibition in the former cells of the canons which retraces 900 years of architectural history, from its foundation to its preservation and then to its restoration. The courtyard and the former abbey are integrated into this itinerary, "Once upon a time Arthous", which gives pride of place to the sculpted decorations of the various buildings forming the whole. The history of the pilgrimage to Saint-Jacques is also explained.
The site, set in a bucolic setting, also hosts temporary exhibitions in the former Abbot's chapel showcasing archaeological treasures from the Landes. In addition, from April to November, are scheduled in convent buildings or in the open air workshops for all audiences, shows, meetings. Open every day except Monday, May 1, November 1 and 11. Price: 3.50 and 5 euros, and a supplement of 3 euros for the workshops. Information on +33 5 58 73 03 89.
As regards the village as such, where the forms of the original bastide are still visible, panels, at the entrance to the village, streets or side by side in front the dwellings, allow to discover it easily.
A visit obviously begins with the city gate dating from the 14th century which protected the main entrance. Built in stones and rubble, equipped with defensive elements (harrow, loopholes), it includes a vaulted passage in broken arch and a floor connected to the surrounding wall. Covered with tiles, it also served as a watchtower and even a prison in the 19th century.
To be seen next, the Saint-Sauveur church rebuilt in 1899 on the foundations of the original building (1304), then the house of the Seneschal (also called the Governor's or Laplante), from the 15th and 16th centuries, which retained a resolutely English style. The main opening is surmounted by a molding supporting a sculpted angel with outstretched wings. We can still see on this venerable house (the oldest on the main street) the initials of its owner in the 16th century, Ioan De La Plante, royal sergeant born in 1572, whose descendants occupied the premises until 1889.
Next door, the Magendie house (16th century) was dedicated to Protestant worship at the very beginning of the 17th century before a temple was allocated to it away from the centre.
While walking in the small town, other old dwellings mark out a wandering. You can also see part of the Château d'Estrac from the Place de l'Eglise: in the classical style, it was built in the 18th and 19th centuries and overlooks the Gaves valley. A conciergerie overlooks the square. The main building with a rectangular seat is extended by a narrower wing in order to add to the dimensions of the facade. The property is framed by a terrace with a garden to the north and a wooded park to the south, the whole being "cut" by the old bastide wall path. The property cannot be visited.
Guided tours of the old bastide town and its main heritage sites (all protected as historical monuments) are offered in season. Information on +33 5 58 73 00 52.
Furthermore, in addition to the abbey and the village, the town is an ideal base for hikes with paths along the rivers, following the paths "ascending" towards the wooded areas or crops. For fishermen, it can also be an opportunity to take advantage of the richness of the Gaves (trout). Larger loops finally allow you to reach the Pyrenean Piedmont. Maps and information on +33 5 58 73 00 52.
