At the crossroads leading to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or Sainte-Marie d'Oloron in the Pyrenees, theSorde abbey on the way to Compostelalocated south of the Landes by the Gave d'Oloron, ended its 2024 tourist season with a very encouraging assessment.
2024 tourist season of L'Sorde Abbey
The year 2024 marked an attendance record for theSaint-Jean de Sorde abbey with more than 12,000 visitorsan increase of 8 % compared to the previous year 2023 which represented the best season since its opening in 1999. This success is the result of an effective promotion strategy and an enriched cultural offer.
September was particularly fruitful with an increase in 46 % of visitors. Group reservations have largely contributed to this dynamic, recording a 37 %increase. This crowds demonstrate the growing attractiveness of the abbey, especially with organized groups and schoolchildren.
A local audience
Visitors to New Aquitaine represent more than half of the visitors, with 55 %, 56 % of whom are from Landes and 25 % of Basques and Béarnais. This geographic proximity facilitates access to the site and strengthens its role in the promotion of local heritage.
The reasons for the success of Sorde Abbey
Sorde's abbey is renowned for the beauty of its buildings and its natural environment. Visitors can discover a remarkable architectural ensemble, witness to centuries of history and culture. The preservation and enhancement of the premises contribute to offering an immersive and authentic experience.
The Abbey also offers Mediation activities Varied, such as guided tours, educational workshops and temporary exhibitions. These initiatives allow visitors to better understand the history and heritage of the abbey while making the visit fun and interactive.
Video France 3 Nouvelle -Aquitaine – Cap Sud Ouest Landes
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A cultural season rich in programming
The cultural season of Sorde Abbey is marked by a rich and diverse programming. Concerts, conferences, shows and thematic events punctuate the year, attracting an ever more numerous and varied audience. These cultural events help make the abbey a meeting and sharing place.
The Sordus collective research project
Despite its growing success, Sorde's abbey has not yet delivered all its secrets. THE Sordus collective research project is tackling an in -depth study of this very complex monumental set. This initiative aims to better understand the multiple phases of construction of the abbey and to lift the veil on the mysteries of its history.
Archaeological discoveries accompany and nourish this study work. Each excavation brings its share of revelations, adding a stone to the building's knowledge building. These discoveries make it possible to better understand the evolution of the abbey over the centuries and to further enhance this exceptional heritage.
The preservation of heritage remains a major challenge. Conservation and catering efforts must be supported to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the premises. In addition, the valuation of archaeological discoveries and the results of the Sordus project will allow the interest of visitors to be renewed and to contribute to the fame of the abbey.
