Andernos and its history
The prehistoric site of Bétey
In the winter of 2024, the national institute for preventive archaeological research mobilized its archaeologists to better understand Neolithic and protohistoric human occupations in Bétey. Archaeological excavations have also revealed numerous lithic, ceramic and bone objects, which will be the subject of analysis and dating; some of these objects will be exhibited at the Maison Louis David museum. While awaiting confirmation of dating, some estimates suggest that this site was occupied from the Bronze Age…
The history of Andernos would therefore begin around 10 years ago, during prehistory, as evidenced by the numerous objects (worked flints, scrapers, arrows, etc.) discovered near the “Le Bétey” stream.
Gallo-Roman life in Saint Eloi
The Gallo-Roman period can be identified by the remains of an important 1850th century villa located near the Saint Eloi church and the oyster port, discovered around 1933 and listed as a Historic Monument in XNUMX. It has a long history was considered a Christian basilica, before being identified as a Gallo-Roman villa, of which it has the typical architectural characteristics of New Aquitaine.
Part of these ruins was also used in the construction of the Saint-Éloi church. This 2002th century Romanesque church was a relay point for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. It is also one of the oldest religious buildings in the Arcachon Basin. Its interior, which was completely restored between 2010 and XNUMX, is decorated with wall paintings from the late Middle Ages and the XNUMXth century. You can also admire magnificent stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes as well as superb Gothic frescoes from the XNUMXth century, one of which is dedicated to Sainte Quitterie. In addition, its metal furniture is unique.
A seaside approach to the city center
In the early 1900s, Maison Louis David was built in the style of early 1905th century seaside architecture. Today hosting exhibitions of painting and plastic arts, it belonged to Louis Théodore David, whose name it bears. The latter was Senator-Mayor of Andernos-les-Bains from 1929 to 1920 and mayor of the town from 1929 to XNUMX. The Maison Louis David also houses the municipal museum where the prehistoric objects found on the Bétey site and those are exhibited exhumed from the site of the Gallo-Roman villa: ceramics, coins, jewelry, fragments of statues…
In 1926, Senator Mayor Louis David ordered the construction of a pier which offered a superb panorama of the unique landscapes of the Arcachon basin. To date, it is the longest in the Basin with its 232 meters.
In Andernos there are several rivers such as the Cirès, the Massurat and the Bétey. The latter flows into the marina of Andernos, taking its source in Querquillas. Known under the Gascon name “woodcock net”, it is a place steeped in history where the oldest objects collected date back to the Paleolithic. Indeed, in winter, a “rusty” spring forms near the old cemetery, where the remains of the Gallo-Roman villa were found, as well as numerous flints, cut stones and ceramics. Originally this stream was in a wild state, before Eugène Delfortrie discovered numerous flints there in 1872. Thus, in 1932, Jean Ferrier carried out excavations in this area and also discovered flints by the thousands. Today, explorations are still underway to refine the conclusions of scientists from previous excavations.
The Bétey marina from 1968 now accommodates 151 boats, having been dedicated to oyster farming since its digging in 1932 at the mouth of the stream.
Following the decree of 1897, Andernos became Andernos-les-Bains, and it was from this date that the town became a holiday resort. The actress, painter and sculptor Sarah Bernhardt stayed there from 1914 to 1915 in the “Eureka” villa to rest because of health problems, which led her to have one of her legs amputated. On the occasion of the centenary of his death, the Andernosian sculptor Jérôme Barreau created a tribute work, which was inaugurated in the Louis David Garden on September 15, 2023 during the European Heritage Days.
