Mourenx, where the past inspires the future

The Belvedere in Mourenx marks the revival of a symbolic venue at the heart of a pioneering region with support from TotalEnergies Foundation. Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier, General Delegate of the Foundation, was keen to be present for this first step in a very meaningful project.

On June 24, 2025, the laying of the first stone of the Belvedere in Mourenx was a key moment for the city and the region around the Lacq basin. The symbolic action represented much more than the beginning of a reconstruction site, it was also the celebration of a unique heritage, a resilient pioneering spirit and a shared ambition for the future.

Mourenx, the first new town in France, was created as part of the industrial adventure following the discovery of gas in Lacq. Today, it wants to be part of the transition toward a sustainable city, in phase with the reconversion of the industrial basin toward renewable and low-carbon energies. Against this backdrop, the Belvedere, a symbolic local building abandoned and left to ruin for over 20 years, is given a new lease of life.

The restoration project, supported by TotalEnergies Foundation, aims to transform this venue steeped in history into an area for receiving the public and for the coordination of scientific and cultural events. It will become a landmark for the region’s identity, a place for remembering, sharing, and inspiring future generations.
 

TotalEnergies, strongly committed to the region

For over 70 years now, TotalEnergies has been a committed stakeholder in the Lacq basin, omnipresent through the SOBEGI, Rétia and the teams of researchers at the PERL (Pau site). From Pau, the Company also maintains regular contact with the school complex in Mourenx and associative structures that benefit from Action! the global solidarity program

The contribution from TotalEnergies Foundation has helped finance the studies and work on the garden level, the interior and exterior decoration and the furnishing of educational areas. It also symbolizes the Company’s strong ties with the region.

During his speech, Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier emphasized that "this support is part of a keen desire to pass on the industrial history of the region and the values of innovation, resilience, and open-mindedness. The Belvedere will be a place for young people to find out about energy-related professions, understand the challenges of the energy transition, and perhaps even imagine their future career in this sector. Youth is at the heart of our commitment, and that’s also why this project resonates with our firm beliefs - no sustainable development initiative would leave young people on the sidelines."

According to Patrice Laurent, Master of Ceremonies, Mayor of Mourenx and President of the Lacq-Orthez local council community, specific importance is given to young people in this project: over 3,200 young people will be welcomed every year to participate in educational events, and more than 10,000 visitors are expected annually. The Belvedere will be a bridge between the educational and industrial worlds.
 

A flourishing venue open to all

From this remarkable site with its panoramic 360° view, the Belvedere is soon to welcome the city’s residents, school-goers, companies, tourists, etc. It will recount the human and industrial adventure of the Lacq basin and explain the regional prospects for the future. A museographic and scenographic trail, designed with the CCSTI Lacq-Odyssée (supported by TotalEnergies Foundation as one of the winners of the 2021 call for projects), offers visitors an immersive experience in the history of the city of Mourenx and the surrounding industrial area. It will also highlight the successful reconversion of the region and the prospects in renewable energies and "green" chemistry.

The project would not have been possible without the collective commitment of many different partners. The Préfecture des Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the Pyrénées Atlaniques department, the Lacq-Orthez local council community, and partner companies: TotalEnergies, Toray Carbon Fibers Europe, NOVÉAL – L’Oréal Groupe, Arkema and CDC Habitat were given heartfelt thanks for their support. Save the date for the inauguration, due to take place in spring 2026.