Orthez Festival 2025: “We come to enjoy ourselves with friends” “Sud Ouest” spent the afternoon with partygoers

On the occasion of the Orthez 2025 festivities, from July 24 to 27, "Sud Ouest" spent two afternoons alongside the festival-goers. Immersion in a lively city center where conviviality and the pleasure of getting together reign.

Like every year at the end of July, the Orthez Festival is in full swing in western Béarn. This year, "Sud Ouest" spent Saturday and Sunday afternoons with revelers. On the program: cycling, children's activities, and moments of sharing. On Saturday, the Festival cycling race brought Orthez to life: "I participated two years ago, and this year I'm watching it and supporting others," says Thibaut, a resident of Orthez. For him, it's a ritual not to be missed: "We're going to cheer them on for nearly two hours. The course is technical, with 30 laps over 70 km; I hope there won't be any crashes."

In the city center, it's a completely different atmosphere in front of the bars: "Every year, we come to enjoy the party with friends. We start in the morning with breakfast: an omelet with porcini mushrooms, beans, and flank steak, and until the evening we sing, we dance, and above all, we laugh," says Adrien, a drink in hand, originally from a neighboring village who came with his friends.

Further on, Michel and Jean-Pierre, two retirees, are taking advantage of these four days to "celebrate life": "We need to get together and share good times together," says Michel. The two friends are unanimous about the festive program: "We're not complicated, we love everything: the Landes race, bullfights, and band music. I think they do a lot to ensure young people have fun, and that's great," adds Jean-Pierre.