Asté: A History of Sculpture and Church Art

For cultural history in Asté, the Maison des Ferrère and the Church of Saint-Saturnin offer two different points of entry: the work of a sculptors’ dynasty at the former, and a bell tower and historically dated furnishings at the latter. Other specific points of interest include the Grottes de Médous and the Le Casque du Lhéris walking trail via the Fontaine de Crastes. The different dates and ways to visit are easy to distinguish when planning the focus of your trip.

The sculptors’ dynasty at the Maison des Ferrère

The Maison des Ferrère presents an educational tour of the work of a sculptors’ dynasty based in Asté. Panels trace the development of the Ferrère artists’ work from the mid-17th century to the beginning of the 19th century. The focus is therefore not on a single date, but on how the work developed over time. If you are interested in art history across a longer period, this tour offers a specific thematic framework.

The center is open seasonally from June 1 to September 30. Check opening information before your arrival.

Church of Saint-Saturnin: tower, rebuilding and furnishings

The Church of Saint-Saturnin in Asté is distinguished by an elegant bell tower with twin arcades and a double spire. It was rebuilt in the 18th century after the fire of 1754; Jean II Ferrère created the furnishings between 1760 and 1780. This allows the building’s history and its furnishings to be considered as two distinct periods: the rebuilding followed the fire, while the furnishings belong to a separate, more narrowly defined period.

Grottes de Médous and historical traces

The Grottes de Médous can be visited in a park containing the walls of a former monastery. Audio-guided tours are offered for international groups in five languages: English, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and German. If you are planning a group visit, compare the available languages with your group’s needs.

Another historical reference point in Médous is the Capuchin monastery, established by Claire-Suzanne de Gramont in 1616. This date places the establishment of the monastery in its historical context; the Maison des Ferrère and Saint-Saturnin, by contrast, offer different art- and architectural-historical perspectives.

Views along the Le Casque du Lhéris walking trail

The Le Casque du Lhéris walking trail via the Fontaine de Crastes offers views of the Massif du Pic du Midi and the Baronnies. The trailhead parking area is 500 meters before the Fontaine de Crastes, on the road east of the village. The Fontaine is therefore a point along the route; the parking information adds a specific landmark and compass direction to help you find your way.

If you want to compare the art-historical themes, the Maison des Ferrère and Saint-Saturnin differ above all in their time focus: the Maison spans the period from the mid-17th century to the beginning of the 19th century, while Saint-Saturnin offers specific dates: the fire of 1754, the rebuilding in the 18th century and the furnishings from 1760 to 1780. This places the Ferrère artists’ development over a longer period alongside the building and furnishing history of a church.

Discover more destinations: Orincles, Burg, Arrens-Marsous, Aucun, Ibos, Pouzac, Lortet, Gerde

For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Pyrénées.