Inspiration

5 UNMISSABLE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS IN PYRENEES – PAU AND SURROUNDINGS

Designed to inspire your programme development, these five must-do activities highlight Pyrénées – Pau and surrounding’s key experiences. Easy to integrate into your itineraries, they add value to your stays and respond to your clients’ expectations on the destination.

Table of contents

Henry IV’s castle, lively streets, and royal elegance

1. DISCOVERING THE HISTORIC HERITAGE OF PAU, CAPITAL OF BÉARN AND BIRTHPLACE OF KING HENRY IV

A strong heritage stop, ideal for cultural city breaks or as a gateway to the Pyrenean valleys.

Visit Pau old town and explore the extensive collection of historical tapestries, throne room, the room where Henri IV was born and more at the King of France and Navarre’s château. Château de Pau towers over Béarn with views of the Pyrenees.
Feast your eyes on the mountain from Boulevard des Pyrénées, a semi- pedestrianised street covering over 1.5km with fabulous views of the entire Pyrenees.
Wander around the pedestrian town centre, visit the shops, explore the regenerated Hédas district (an original tour with a fascinating story) and stop for a bite to eat at the new market hall. Regional specialities to sample include: Jurançon wine, ham, Pyrenean sheep’s milk cheese (AOC Ossau-Iraty) and spit cake.

Local encounters, mountain cheeses, and generous gastronomy

2. IMMERSING YOURSELF IN THE EPICUREAN WORLD OF BÉARN

Ossau-Iraty, brown trout, gourmet markets… a perfect immersion for curious, food-loving travellers.

Celebrate Henri IV’s birthday in Pau with the famous poule au pot. Every year around December 13th, the Béarn capital celebrates King Henri IV’s birthday with the classic French chicken stew on the menu. Be sure to try garbure too, a meat and vegetable soup from Béarn and South West France.
Visit the beautiful towns of Navarrenx and Sauveterre-de-Béarn that stand out for their history and heritage. Navarrenx is one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” because of its fortifications on the Way of St James. Sauveterre-de-Béarn has held onto its charm with a fortified bridge and tower overlooking the river… and fishermen!

Hiking, gentle adventures, and spectacular landscapes

3. SETTING OUT TO DISCOVER THE PYRENEAN VALLEYS AND SUMMITS, A HAVEN FOR HIKING AND ADVENTURE SPORTS

Legendary GR trails, the Holzarte Gorge, summer pastures… the mountains of Béarn lend themselves to accessible, varied nature stays.

Soak up the incredible nature in the Pyrenees in summer and winter alike: go rafting or canoeing down white water rivers (known locally as “gaves”) or chill out among the peaceful lakes, pastures and snow-capped peaks.
If you love a train adventure, you’re in for a treat with views of the Aspe Valley on the incredible Pau-Bedous railway.
Hike the famous GR 10 (major hiking trail) that runs from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean through the breathtaking Pyrenees. Follow in the footsteps of Santiago de Compostela pilgrims on paths through the untamed Aspe Valley.
Experience the transhumance tradition for yourself in the Ossau Valley. Sheep, cows and horses head up the valley in early July to graze on mountain pastures over summer.

Friendly resorts, active snow, and shared enjoyment

4. EXPERIENCING THE MOUNTAINS IN WINTER MODE

Skiing, snowshoeing, wide open spaces: a four-season offering ideal for families and affinity groups.

Gourette (alt. 1400-2450m) is the biggest ski resort in Béarn with 42km of pistes for skiing, ski mountaineering, dog sledding and snowshoeing up to Col de l’Aubisque, a regular feature at the Tour de France in summer.
Artouste (alt. 1997m) brings you 25km of skiing near the Pyrenees National Park at the foot of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau (2880m). Don’t miss the tourist train to Artouste Lake in the Ossau Valley. Make memories on board the highest train in Europe at an altitude of over 2000m.
La Pierre Saint Martin (altitude of 1500-2000m) is a more family-friendly resort and has been awarded the Flocon Vert for its eco-friendly measures. Skiing, XC skiing and snowshoeing.

Confidential wines, perfect for off-the-beaten-path experiences

5. ENJOYING EXCEPTIONAL WINE TOURISM EXPERIENCES IN JURANÇON AND MADIRAN, OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Two distinctive wine routes, combining vineyards, tastings, and meetings with winemakers, to be woven into a South-West France itinerary.

Venture south west of Pau with views of the Pyrenees and close to town to visit the AOC Jurançon vineyard, famous for its dry and sweet white wine. The wineries and cellars here provide guided tours, tastings and vineyard trails (on the sun-drenched “terraced” hillside vineyards) to get to grips with the renowned Jurançon wine.
Explore the Madiran vineyard and its fruity, high-tannin red wine north of Pau. Meet the passionate winemakers in this area between the Adour River and Pyrenees and learn more about this South Western fine wine.

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