Small medieval town on the banks of the "Gave d'Oloron", Sauveterre de Béarn is identified as such in documents dated year 1050.
Former place fortified it preserves some parts of the old remparts and defensive gates. The "bridge of the legend" built on the river is the remains of the drawbridge which allowed the access to and from the south road toward Spain. Its present appearance is that of the XIV century since it was re-built by Gaston Febus at this time.
The church (église Saint-André) is dated from the end of the XII century and was integrated part of the defensive apparatus of the city, as were many churches of South-West of France.
The "Saint-André tower" was built during the XIII century. It was also integrated to the remparts facing South and the Navarra kingdom. This tower was probably the palace of Oloron bishops.
Sauveterre de Béarn was an important rest stop for St Jacques de Compostelle pilgrims.