Béarn

Béarn is a historical province of France located in the western Pyrenean foothills, bordering Spain to the south, the Basque Country to the west, Bigorre to the east, and the Landes to the north. Its capital was Pau. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain in the south, gradually transitioning to rolling hills and plains towards the north. The Gave de Pau and the Gave d'Oloron are significant rivers flowing through the area.

Historically, Béarn was an independent viscounty, and later a principality, ruled by its own monarchs. It maintained a distinct legal and administrative system for centuries, even after being incorporated into the Kingdom of France in the late 17th century. The House of Albret played a crucial role in its history, with Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre, being a notable figure. Her son, Henry III of Navarre, became King Henry IV of France, thus uniting Béarn with the French crown.

The culture of Béarn is a blend of Gascon and Basque influences, with a unique dialect of Occitan historically spoken. Agriculture, particularly wine production and the raising of livestock, has been a traditional economic mainstay. Today, Béarn is part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Tourism, drawn by its natural beauty and historical sites, is also an important sector. The regional identity remains strong among its inhabitants.