Orthez: we tested “heritage yoga” at the Moncade Tower

Thursday, June 30, it’s raining. Jessie Servant therefore takes the small group of practitioners that we are to the first floor of the Moncade Tower. “When the weather is nice, we sit outside, in the grass,” she says. Or even sometimes at the top, on the roof of the Tower”.

Fébus watches over the scene

Before the session, one of the volunteers shows us the very narrow and steep stone staircase that leads to the upper level: “It is built into the wall, she explains. And when you look up, you see another stone staircase: it makes sense, because if you want there to be a wall above, you need stones to hold it up. Otherwise we would have a big void. A sort of stair-tunnel dug into the thickness of the wall. Amazing!

After this little topo of historical architecture, everyone installs their carpet on the floor, facing the teacher. Gaston Fébus watches over the scene. Jessie’s calm voice guides us through postures that are both gentle and demanding, which she adapts according to the possibilities of those present. Silence reigns in the former guard room with its impressive high ceilings. At the end of the session, the “Om” that we sing sounds like… a medieval song. Inhale. Inspiring!

(1) www.chateaumoncade.fr
(2) Registration with Orthez animations. 6 euros per session.

Free entertainment at Château Moncade this summer

Wednesday July 13: Medieval day. Reconstruction of a military camp with presentation of medieval weapons and demonstration of fights, tournaments. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday July 20: Musical story. “Hara the musician meets the sound makers”. A troubadour straight from ancient times goes to meet Flabuta, a shepherdess who wanders in the undergrowth… 3:30 p.m. All ages.
Wednesday July 27: Wooden games. Original and unusual traditional games, of strategy, cooperation, chance or skill. From 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday August 3: Medieval day, Introduction to ax throwing! Ax throwing is practiced with a double ax 6 meters from the target. For children, throwing is done with non-cutting axes. Demonstrations, display of battle axes and helmets. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday August 10: Medieval day, the last crossbowman in France, and minting of ancient coins. The crossbowman, in 13th century costume^e century will have you shoot at eight life-size wooden targets bearing the image of dragons, knights, templars, riders, etc. And the old coins workshop makes you discover the gestures of yesteryear. Chisel cutting of a shaped and beaten part. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From July 15 to August 15, at 3 p.m.: Indoor and outdoor guided tour of Château Moncade on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Booking is recommended.