Discover Cadéac

Cadéac lies on the banks of the Neste at an altitude of 700 metres. Its history is reflected in a variety of architectural forms: the castle, the Church of Saint-Félix, the chapels and the chalets. The forests of Cadéac and routes for walking or mountain biking add nature and outdoor activities to these historical themes. When planning your trip, you can therefore explore both architectural history and practical routes.

The castle and its former thermal-bath tradition

The castle of Cadéac, in its present form, dates to the 13th century. Its layout includes a keep, a terraced bailey and a defensive wall, of which only ruins remain. These features make it possible to distinguish the castle’s different areas.

From 1608, the castle served as a prison for the villages of the Aure Valley. The upper part of the valley was an exception, as it was served by the prison castle of Tramezaïgues. This distinction is part of the history of the valley as a whole and places the castle’s former role in a wider context than Cadéac alone.

Another historical chapter is the thermal-bath tradition: in the 19th century, Cadéac was known as a spa town for its sulphur springs. This use has since disappeared.

Church and chapels

The Church of Saint-Félix dates from the 16th century. Its tall nave is flanked on either side by two chapels. Three ribbed vaults span the choir and two bays of the nave. The side chapels and the vaults are both key features of the church’s architecture.

The Chapel of Notre-Dame de Pène-Tailhade also dates from the 16th century. Its large western porch spans the road. Murals decorate both the interior and the exterior. The chapel thus combines a distinctive structure on its west side with painted decoration that extends beyond the interior.

Chalets and architectural history

The Chalet chinois was built in the early 1890s under the influence of Théophile Gilet. It represents the introduction of the chalet style in Cadéac. Its window openings are framed by painted bands featuring griffin motifs.

The Chalet de la Tour was completed in 1906. It stands south of Cadéac, near the road to Arreau; its south gable is decorated with carved, openwork wood. The two chalets have distinct features: at the Chalet chinois, painted bands with griffin motifs frame the window openings, while at the Chalet de la Tour, the wood decoration is a defining feature of the south gable.

Forests and routes

Cadéac is one of the municipalities in ZNIEFF 730006519, which covers an area of 3,664.92 hectares. The forests of Cadéac are among the large woodland areas in this zone. They provide nesting sites for booted eagles and short-toed snake eagles. The forest birdlife is therefore another of the village’s special features, alongside its architectural history.

The Circuit du Pays d'art et d'histoire à Cadéac presents the history and heritage of the village through six information panels. The GR105 long-distance trail runs from Arreau to Cadéac. The Pla de Toucouère mountain-bike route passes through the centre via Place de la Fontaine, then continues along a forest road. The routes therefore have different focuses: village history presented on panels, a long-distance walk between two places, and a mountain-bike route with a section through Cadéac.

Planning your trip

An on-demand bus service for the Aure Valley, available by reservation, serves Cadéac and Arreau. Routes and operating conditions may change, so check them before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Siradan, Bordes, Antist, Préchac, Fontrailles, Saint-Sever-De-Rustan, Arcizans-Avant, Molère

For the wider travel overview: Hautes-Pyrénées.