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Key figures

Origin and history

Notre-Dame de Bouit Church, also known as Notre-Dame des Pilots since 1999, is the second oldest Marian shrine in Gascony. His devotion would go back to at least the 11th century or even the 4th century according to certain sources. It is linked to a medieval legend: an ox named Bouët, belonging to a local lord, would have uprooted a strain in the form of a Virgin, inciting his master to build a chapel after a victory against an enemy. This account, combining faith and oral tradition, explains the origin of the name Bouit and the foundation of the sanctuary.

The Gothic-style chapel houses a golden wooden statue of the Virgin dating back to 1752, hidden during the Revolution. It is located in the former hamlet of Bouyt, a town that disappeared in 1829 and is attached to Nogaro. The annual pilgrimage, on August 15, continues a centuries-old tradition. Since 1999, the church has also been nicknamed Notre-Dame des pilotes because of its proximity to the Paul Armagnac motor circuit, built in 1960 and visible from the site.

The sanctuary illustrates the importance of Marian places in Gascony, between local legends and popular devotion. Its history reflects the territorial (fusion of Bouyt with Nogaro) and cultural (link with motorsport), while maintaining its spiritual role. The 18th century statue and the summer pilgrimage make it a living heritage, rooted in regional identity.

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