Sauveterre - Saint Andre

The first mention of the name Sauveterre dates back to around 1120. The town was built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Gave d'Oloron. Sauveterre's mission was to defend the southern and western borders of Béarn. The town formed a village organized around the castle.

Between the second half of the 12th and the first half of the 13th century, Saint-André was built. This church was built outside the first town. A second settlement called "Saint-André" therefore arose around this church.

The town was an essential stopover for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, as the town is located on the Via Lemovizenis (Vézelay route).