The Ossau Valley was once known as Ursialensis vallis, or ‘‘Bear Vallley’’. It stretches out for 70km from Pau to Laruns (lower Ossau). The valley is dotted with a multitude of medieval-looking villages, including Bielle, with its 15C and 16C houses, and Béost, famous for its door lintels with inscriptions. Upper Ossau, located in the Pyrenees National Park, is accessible via the Col d'Aubisque, a famous pass climbed in the Tour de France, and the Col du Pourtalet. Lake Artouste is a magnificent site set in a cirque with summits close to 3,000m.