Ossau

Ossau is a toponym used for a mountainous region in southwestern France and for a traditional regional cheese. The most common reference is the Val d'Ossau (Valley of Ossau), a glaciated and pastoral valley in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The valley lies in the western Pyrenees near the Basque Country and Béarn, and it is drained by the Gave d'Ossau. It is known for its rugged landscapes, sparse settlements and outdoor recreation, including hiking and mountaineering. One of the valley's landmarks is the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, a pyramidal peak reaching about 2,884 meters and a recognizable feature on the horizon.

Ossau-Iraty is a traditional sheep's milk cheese associated with the Ossau valley and the Iraty forest on the Franco-Spanish border. It is produced by Basque and Béarnais cheesemakers and is typically aged several months. The cheese is pale, with a semi-hard to firm texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Ossau-Iraty has a protected designation of origin within the European Union, reflecting its regional production methods and heritage. The name Ossau thus appears in both geographical and culinary contexts in the Basque-Béarn area.

Ossau as a place name and as a product name reflects the historical ties between Béarn and Basque culture in the western Pyrenees, where Basque, Gascon, and Occitan linguistic influences converge.