résidence de france

For sale beautiful apartment of historical importance

in Oloron Sainte Marie, France

On the market for the first time in over 20 years, this unique apartment is situated in the centre of the market town of Oloron Sainte Marie in southwest France.

Available for sale for 595 000€ (including agency fees) the apartment consists of a four double-bedroom main apartment, 2 private terraces, a one bedroom self-contained flat, a large attic and exceptionally secure basement.

Outside there is access to a large, shared garden with mature trees and access towards the river.

There are two parking spaces in a gated area. The apartment has its own separate entrance from the other apartments in the building and includes the entire top floors of the impressive former Banque de France building.

The building itself is of historical significance as this bank was where, in wartime, a portion of the national gold was hidden from the enemy by flooding the bank vault.

The water has long since dried but the secure stronghold basement remains.

Made of slate, brick and iron the roof structure was made by Eiffel and the original structure is visible in the attic.

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains, the town of Oloron Sainte Marie is the capital

of Haut Béarn, in the Pyrenees Atlantiques department which is in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of France.

The town has a population of 10,000 and the area is an excellent place for people wishing to raise a family or to retire.

The pace of life, the beautiful countryside and the excellent food and drink all contribute to the popularity of this area.

Close to the Pyrenees national park and with plenty of rivers, hillsides and stone built villages and towns to explore,

plus an agreeable climate, the area attracts local and tourists alike.

The apartment is very centrally located in the ‘centre ville’ within short walking distance of the main line train station,

public park, local shops and River Gave. Larger supermarkets, garden centres and other retail outlets are a short drive away. A regular train service connects to Pau and the TGV network. Local airports include Pau (30 mins), Biarritz/ Bayonne (1 hour 10), Lourdes/Tarbes (1 hour).

A regular ski bus runs from the local station which is only 150 m from the apartment.

There is a large hospital complex offering a wide range of services. Local industries include a focus on engineering

such as aeronautical and automobile, there are also a wide range of artisan, tourism and leisure opportunities.

There is plenty of choice of public and private education, including bilingual French/Spanish, French/Béarnaise or French/English, education available from kindergarten right through to lycée. An international school is situated

40 km away. The Cathedral is known for its amazing architecture and is a recognised Unesco site.
The region is self-sufficient in all meats and most fish and arable products as well as exporting to other regions.

Most farmers sell directly from farm shops or in the weekly market which begins a stone’s throw from the apartment.

Local delicacies include Garbure Béarnaise soup/stew, duck products, line caught salmon, sheep’s cheese, goats cheese and cows milk. Naturally there are also many restaurants and cafes in the area where you can stop for a drink or a bite and soak up the atmosphere.

Oloron Sainte Marie is also known for its chocolate production and the Swiss chocolate producer,

based in the town since the 1800s, selected this region due to the quality of the pasture and milk.

Located on the Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle, Oloron Sainte Marie is only 40 km from the border to Spain.

The coast, including the popular resort of Biarritz, is 100 km away.