Aire-sur-l'Adour

Aire-sur-l'Adour, a historic town in the region of the Landes, is an important stop on the Via Podiensis. Formerly the seat of a bishopric, the town boasts a rich religious heritage that pilgrims can explore. Its main jewel is the church of Sainte-Quitterie, on Mas Hill, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The crypt houses a marble sarcophagus from the 4th century and its capitals are of great interest. In the heart of the town, the Cathedral of St John the Baptist is another notable landmark. For walkers, Aire-sur-l'Adour is an important centre for services, ideal for a rest before tackling the more undulating stages leading to the Pyrenees. The town, watered by the Adour river, offers a peaceful atmosphere and local cuisine based on regional products, such as duck. It's an stage that combines the richness of historical-artistic heritage with the hospitality of the people of the Landes, a cultural and service milestone in the final stretch of the route through France.