Béarn: Meaning and History

Embroidered flag patch — Béarn

History of the flag

The Béarnais flag is said to have been adopted in the IXth century under Louis the Pieux.

Rich in symbols, it proudly embodies the history and identity of Béarn.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

  • The cows, nicknamed’ Vaquetas’, are thought to have come from the name of the ancient Vaccean people, a branch of which is thought to have originated in the Pyrenees. They appeared on the coins of the Viscounts of Béarn from the XIIIth century onwards. The golden yellow background represents the prosperity and wealth of the region.