How do you get from Pau to Monein without a car?

Take the 521 bus from Pau. The journey takes about 50 minutes to the ‘Collège’ stop in Monein, which is a few minutes’ walk from the centre. Check timetables and fares before you set off.

Which day is best to visit Monein to enjoy the market?

Monday is the best day to visit the traditional market in Monein. It takes place in the morning in the market hall and is a great way to start the day by meeting local producers and traders.

What can you see in Monein in a day?

You can explore the market, Saint-Girons Church, the centre of Monein and the Jurançon vineyard landscape. A wine tasting at a local winery could also round off the day.

Is it possible to visit the Church of Saint-Girons in Monein?

Yes. Saint-Girons Church is open to visitors and is particularly notable for its remarkable roof structure. In summer, access to the upper part is available as part of guided tours, which must be booked through the Monein Tourist Office.

Is it possible to explore the Jurançon vineyards without a car in Monein?

Yes, some of the hillsides and vineyards can be explored on foot from Monein. However, some places are further away from the centre: plan your route and check access conditions before setting off.

A day in Monein No car!

From the Béarn market to the vineyards and living heritage

I’m leaving Pau for the day and letting myself be carried along to Monein, in the heart of the Jurançon hillsides. Here, I have no reason to rush. I explore the village on foot, at the pace of the market, chance encounters and these landscapes that smell of Béarn. A glass of Jurançon is never far away and, as the view opens up, the Pyrenees suddenly loom before me.

Cécile, a tireless explorer

Dynamic hiker, ready to reveal for your greatest pleasure, my favorites and hidden corners...

We’re heading to Monein

Transport tip:
Departure from Pau at 8.00 am from Rue Mathieu-Lalanne (opposite the Museum of Fine Arts) or the SNCF multimodal hub at 8.08 am.
Arrival in Monein at 8.59 am – Collège stop. It’s then just a seven-minute walk to the town centre and the market halls.
Tickets can be purchased on board the bus in cash only: €4.50 return
(timetables and fares to be confirmed on the website in advance)
Route 521 with the CITRAM Pyrénées bus (does not run on Sundays or public holidays)

More information about Monein

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View of Egliseot Cdb 2
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Office de Tourisme Coeur de Béarn

At around 9.15 am... The Monein Market A burst of flavour

I take my first steps inside the Monein market hall, where producers set up their stalls throughout the seasons (around fifteen in total). Farmhouse cheeses, ripe fruit, charcuterie, Béarn pastries… I take the time to look, to smell, to taste now and then, and above all to have a chat.
The Monein market hall hosts the market every Monday, from 8 am to 1 pm.

At around 11 am... Saint-Girons Church Fortified and impressive

Outside, the Church of Saint-Girons already impresses me with its sheer size. Its silhouette commands respect in the heart of Monein. But the real surprise awaits me upstairs: an exceptional roof structure shaped like an upturned boat supports a centuries-old slate roof.

My tip:
In summer, book your guided tour through the Monein Tourist Office, as you can only access the upper part of the building to admire this medieval masterpiece when accompanied by a guide.
For the rest of the year, access is limited to the lower part of the building. You can, of course, explore the church, but not its famous ‘upside-down ship’. A good reason to come back!

Everything you need to know about visiting Saint-Girons Church

At around 12.30 pm... Lunch À la béarnaise

After a morning spent exploring the local heritage and the market, it’s time for lunch. I head tothe Hôtel Restaurant L’Estaminet to continue my discovery, this time through the food.
I push open the door just as the regulars do. Here, the atmosphere is warm, friendly and unpretentious. I settle in, take my time and let myself be carried away by this simple, genuine atmosphere.
On my plate, local produce naturally takes centre stage. The cuisine is generous, indulgent and quintessentially Béarnais. Every mouthful tells a little of the region’s story, its flavours and its love of good food.
Just the sort of stop I love: authentic, comforting and full of warmth.

Everything you need to know about L'Estaminet restaurant

Advice from a friend

A discovery walk around MoneinVineyards and heritage

To discover Monein in a different light, take the time to follow the interpretive trail. Winding its way through vineyards, past scenic viewpoints and local heritage sites, this walk gradually reveals the history of the village and the surrounding countryside. It’s an accessible walk that simply invites you to slow down and see the Béarn region in a new light.

Discover the Monein Discovery Walk here!

Lunch ideasDelicacies from Béarn

Would you like some more ideas for places to eat?
Le Cabanon
Set in lush green surroundings on the outskirts of the village, Le Cabanon serves up simple fare such as burgers and more…
All about the restaurant

A Pause Is in Order
As its name suggests, this spot invites you to slow down and enjoy a meal. In a warm and relaxed atmosphere, you can savour traditional cuisine that showcases local produce.
Find out all about therestaurant

JurançonThe King of these wines

Why is Jurançon so special?
The vineyards here benefit from a unique climate, influenced by the ocean and the proximity of the Pyrenees. This combination produces wines renowned for their freshness, elegance and remarkable aromatic diversity.

The Bear’s WorkshopA culinary discovery

Before leaving Monein, pop into the Atelier de l’Ours. This artisan biscuit shop offers sweet and savoury treats made with local produce, perfect for enjoying the flavours of Béarn back at home.
(Please note: it’s a 30-minute walk from the centre and there are no pavements)

Orchards of the Pays de MoneinRoussanne grapes take centre stage

If you’re visiting Monein in the summer, don’t miss out on the Roussanne peach. Grown for centuries on the slopes of the Jurançon, this variety from the Béarn region delights with its melt-in-the-mouth flesh, delicate aroma and wonderful freshness. At the Vergers du Pays de Monein co-operative, you can try it fresh from the tree, as well as in the form of nectars, jams and other delicacies that allow you to savour the flavours of the season for longer.
(Please note: it’s a 30-minute walk from the centre and there are no pavements)

Amma Terre and Mad'in AquiuLocal know-how

Step insideAmma Terre and Mad’in Aquiu to discover a place where local craftsmanship is on display in all its forms. From ceramics and jewellery to textile creations and decorative items, each piece tells the story of a passionate artisan. You’ll find yourself lingering over Amma Terre’s Raku creations, where the union of earth and fire gives rise to unique works of art.
(60 metres from the Tourist Office)

At around 2.00 pm... Wine Route Landscapes and wine tasting

In Monein, the vineyards are as much a part of the landscape as the village houses. This afternoon, I’m heading for the Jurançon hillsides and have decided to stop off at the Domaine de Bru-Baché.
At this estate, the tasting begins long before the first glass. I learn about the grape varieties of Jurançon, the production methods and, above all, the men and women who have shaped this terroir for generations.
The conversations are simple, sincere and passionate. I taste the dry wines, then the sweeter ones. The aromas unfold gradually, telling the story of the hillsides, the sunshine and the expertise of the Béarn winegrowers.
It’s hard to leave empty-handed. With a bottle tucked into my bag, I’m already savouring the memory of this encounter a little longer.

Discover the hillsides of Jurançon

At around 4.45 pm... It’s time to set off

After a day spent exploring the local heritage, sampling the flavours of the Béarn region and visiting the vineyards of the Jurançon AOC, it’s time for me to leave Monein.

Transport tip:
Head to the “Collège” bus stop to catch the 521 bus at 5.00 pm. The bus takes me back to Pau at 5.56 pm, at the multimodal hub at the SNCF station, or at 6.02 pm, on Rue Mathieu-Lalanne, opposite the Museum of Fine Arts. Timetables and fares can be checked on the transport operator’s website.