Orthez presents a clear dialogue between stone and water. The Pont Vieux, a 13th‑century bridge with its sentinel tower, sets the town’s outline across the Gave de Pau. Above, the Moncade Tower marks the former seat of the Béarn viscounts and fixes a strong horizon line. In the centre, arcaded fronts and narrow lanes retain a Béarnais scale that suits cafés, weekly markets and small museums, including the Jeanne‑d’Albret Museum dedicated to regional and Protestant history. Riverside paths offer quiet views of current and banks. Nearby lakes and gentle countryside provide easy outings. The Pyrenean foothills, Salies‑de‑Béarn and Sauveterre sit within reach, keeping heritage and landscape in close company.