The Aspe Valley Ecomuseum in Sarrance allows us to get closer to the unique history of this place. It is situated on the road to Somport, on the Arles route of the Santiago Pilgrimage Way. Sarrance has been a place of Christian pilgrimage and worship since the legend of the “Black Virgin” or “Virgin of the Rock” which was found, according to local folklore, by a shepherd and a fisherman on the banks of the Aspe River. Nowadays there is a trend amongst historians to recognize this as one of the oldest sanctuaries devoted to the veneration of the Virgin Mary. Nuestra Señora de Lourdes is the most famous, but Sarrance is and always will be the Aspe Valley and all of Bearn’s very own Marian shrine.

To understand Sarrance and its peculiar history the Ecomuseum suggests various guided tours around the village centre and to other places of interest in the vicinity. An interesting audiovisual display unfolds the legend of the Black Virgin, and explains the Marian pilgrimages. A large scale model shows the position of the village between the mountain and the river, while information panels explain all the special details of Sarrance.

Of special interest are the church and small monastery which date from the 17th century, rebuilt in 1605 following the destruction of the original temple by Protestant troops. The Baroque cloister is especially fine. Along with many other places along the Santiago Pilgrimage Route, Sarrance had its own hospital to attend to pilgrims, travelers and the poor.