Our 5 favourites in Pau - Pyrénées
1. The Artouste train, a view from the top of the world
An extraordinary experience on-board the highest train in Europe that runs along the cliff and overlooks breathtaking panoramas at almost 2,000 m altitude! A 1-hour railroad journey covering 10 km across awe-inspiring scenescapes. When you reach the terminus, a 20 min walk along a waymarked trail takes you to Lake Artouste. It's also the starting point for a host of treks across the Pyrénées National Park.
New for 2022: Artouste organizes an exceptional dinner in its cable cars, with a breathtaking view over the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, summer and winter alike. A delicious interlude around a gastronomic meal created by Jean-Bernard Hourçourigaray from the renowned La Maison Château restaurant. €35/person.
2. Discovering the vineyard and heritage on a vintage moped
Back to the Seventies! Karine and Dominique invite you to jump on one of the mopeds from their collection and enjoy the "Vintage" charm of these 2-wheelers. They'll guide you along the tracks of Gaston Febus' countryside, on-board an original thermal moped or one of their three electrically-converted 103s, and propose a choice of 4 circuits. Explore the rich natural, oenological and historical heritage of Madiran, Vic-Bilh, Nord-Béarn and adjoining Gers.
Circuits also proposed in English. Activity for 18 years old and over. Helmets, gloves and insurance included.
3. Riding along the legendary Route des cols des Pyrénées (Pyrénées mountain pass route)
The Tour de France, one of France’s most iconic sporting events has already passed through Pau and the Béarn Pyrénées more than 73 times since it was created. Geographically-speaking, it's the perfect playground for bike tourism and mountain-biking tours. An opportunity to pedal along the mythical stages of the Tour de France. Right next to the Pyrénées mountain passes, a whole network of little trails through the foothills invite biking enthusiasts to discover Béarn in depth.
The Route des cols des Pyrénées (Pyrénées mountain pass route)
is also a favourite for seasoned cyclists. This 234 km-long touristic route, with its 12 mountain passes to climb in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, is interspersed with a host of great internationally-renowned tourist sites, incredible vistas and picturesque villages.
Ebike itineraries
Electrically assisted bikes now make it possible for everyone to delight in riding through the mountains without too much effort. Discover the most exquisite panoramas of the Aspe Valley by travelling along 2 itineraries: The Oloron-Sainte-Marie à Nay mountain pass route; the GR 653.
Green destination
The Pays de Nay promotes sustainable transport by proposing 8 wonderful discovery trails along Pyrénées landscapes. Ebikes may be rented on site.
4. Participate in the oldest city car race in Pau
A can't-miss motor sports event, the oldest city race in France has become more popular than ever before. The city of Pau becomes an automobile city, with entertainment and shows galore…
The Pau Grands Prix (Grand Prix and Classic Grand Prix) have now been turned into the Pau Motors Festival, a race that focuses on carbon neutrality. The Grand Prix will take place from 6 to 8 May 2022 with 3 days of world-class races promoting electric propulsion, hydrogen solutions, low carbon fuels and synthetic fuels. The Classic Grand Prix will be held from 20 to 22 May.
5. Switch off, enjoy experiences in unspoilt natural surroundings to recharge your batteries
Head off on a trek along the GR10 Long Hiking Trail
It proposes one of the most amazing trekking itineraries in France. It weaves its way through the Basque Country and Haut-Béarn from west to east, from the ocean to the highest mountains. The 3rd stretch, from La Pierre-Saint-Martin to Arrens-Marsous, passes through Lescun, Gabas and Gourette, and across the Pyrénées National Park.
Along the Santiago de Compostela route
Nouvelle-Aquitaine is crossed by 6 stretches of the Santiago de Compostela route that all lead to the Basque Country and Béarn before climbing the Pyrénées, at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Since the 10th century, pilgrims from across Europe have been coming to share in communion here. Over the years, lovers of Romanesque art and trekking aficionados have joined with the pilgrims to travel this route.
Zip-line adventures in the Gorges du Hourat (Ossau Valley)
The Laruns Aventures centre that opened in summer 2021 proposes a succession of 18 zip lines and 2 monkey bridges, high above the Gorges de Hourat in the Pyrénées. The setting is striking and the adventure is filled with thrills.
Supervised autonomous adventure trail / Duration: 1h / €20 per person.
In the same heading
1,001 ways to discover Pau and Béarn
Enjoy the experience: Béarn-Pyrénées
How to get here
By air:
Pau - Pyrénées International Airport, 12 km from Pau city centre by road, with links to Paris CDG and Orly (1h30).
Biarritz - Basque Country International Airport, 3 km from the centre of Biarritz by road, with European links: Paris (1h30), London (1h45), Brussels (1h45), Geneva (1h10), etc. Bordeaux and Bilbao airports, 1h30 by road.
By train:
Pau at 4h20 from Paris by TGV high-speed train, at 2h10 from Bordeaux by TGV high-speed train. Numerous regional trains: Pau-Bayonne, Pau-Dax, Pau-Toulouse, Pau-Lourdes
By road:
Paris-Bordeaux-Pau: A10-A62-A65 (7h28)
Bordeaux-Pau: A 65 (2h23)
Toulouse-Pau: A 64 (1h59)
Lourdes-Pau: A 65 (50 min)