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

Regional bus route 524 runs from Pau to Laruns and provides a car-free way to reach the Ossau Valley. In summer 2026, there will be several departures. Please check the timetable before your journey.

What can you do in Laruns on a car-free day?

You can explore the village on foot, enjoy the Saturday morning market, try out Laruns Aventures, have a picnic and then head to the Séris waterfall before catching the coach back to Pau.

Is it possible to visit Laruns without a car when travelling with children?

Yes. This day out in Béarn is particularly suitable for families with teenagers. Laruns Aventures is open to children aged 9 and over and at least 1.40 m tall. However, please ensure that the activities are suited to each person’s age and ability.

Which walking route should I take from Laruns?

The walk to the Séris waterfall is about 3.5 km long, taking 2 hours 30 minutes to complete, with a 250-metre climb. The route is described as easy, but some sections are steep or slippery in wet weather.

What is there to do in Laruns on a Saturday morning?

On Saturdays, the Laruns market runs from 8 am to 1 pm. It’s a great opportunity to discover produce from the Béarn and the Ossau Valley: cheeses, cured meats and even spit-roasted cake.

A day in Laruns No car!

I’m off to Laruns with my family with one simple aim: to get a good breath of Pyrenean air without having to take the car. I’ve got a little challenge in mind: getting my teenagers interested!

No sooner have we arrived in the heart of the Ossau Valley than we look up: the mountains are there, surrounding us and welcoming us. My teenagers are looking around, commenting on what they see… I listen and smile. Our trip is off to a good start.

A bit of fresh air, the mountains within sight and plenty of time ahead of us: when it comes down to it, that’s all we need!

Cécile, a tireless explorer

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

We’re heading to Laruns

Transport tip:
Departure from Place de Verdun in Pau – Route 524
Get off at the “Collège” stop in Laruns
(check timetables and fares on the transport operator’s website beforehand)

More information about Laruns

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Laruns1otvo Church
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Office de Tourisme de la vallée d'Ossau

9.15 am... In the heart of the village Pyrenean Village

We stroll leisurely through the streets of Laruns, past the traditional Ossaloise houses, the Town Hall square, the terraces and the shops.
I notice the stone walls, the slate roofs and, above all, these beautiful doors which, in their own way, tell the story of the village.

On some lintels, carved dates, initials or motifs catch our eye. Here’s our new game: who’ll spot the next one? Before we know it, the teenagers are caught up in the challenge and the stroll continues.

Saturday It's a deal!

It’s Saturday morning, and we’re popping round to the market in the heart of the village.
Sheep’s-milk cheeses, spit-roasted cakes, charcuterie and local produce from the valley quickly catch our eye. Everyone spots what takes their fancy, sometimes having a taste, whilst I have a chat with the producers.

I love this friendly atmosphere where people take as much pleasure in chatting as in filling their baskets.
We stroll along at a leisurely pace with the children; everyone stops wherever they please and, for once, I don’t try to rush them.

Practical information:
The Laruns market is held every Saturday morning from 8 am to 1 pm

Everything you need to know about the markets in the Ossau Valley

At around 10.30 am... In the heart of the valley Thrills and excitement with Laruns Aventure

After our leisurely stroll through Laruns, I suggest we really change the pace. This time, it’s all about thrills!
And there’s no need to negotiate with my teenagers: the idea of whizzing along a zip line over the Hourat Gorges is enough to win them over.

We head to Laruns Aventures, a 15-minute walk from the centre. As soon as we arrive, the setting sets the tone: the forest, the gorges, the river below and the rolling hills of the Ossau Valley all around us.
We get kitted out, listen carefully to the safety instructions and, after a few minutes’ walk, we’re ready to set off.

And what an adventure! 22 zip lines and 2 suspension bridges, covering more than 2 kilometres through the gorges! Some of the zip lines are as long as 200 metres. Suffice to say, we’ve had plenty of time to feel the wind in our hair, take in the scenery… and let out a few shrieks along the way.

I watch the children grow in confidence as we make our way along the course. We look out for one another, cheer each other on, laugh at our hesitations, and everyone savours their little victories.

Mission accomplished! I watch my (grown-up) children set off again with smiles on their faces, still buzzing from the descents and already busy comparing their experiences.

Practical information:
The course takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and you must be at least 1.40 m tall to take part. Something to check before promising the whole family an adventure!

Everything you need to know about Laruns Aventure

Advice from friends

Everything you’d expect from a great oneDid you know?

Covering an area of 250 km², Laruns is one of the largest municipalities in mainland France. It stretches from an altitude of around 500 metres up to the 2,974-metre-high Pic Palas and comprises several hamlets and villages, including Les Eaux-Chaudes, Goust, Gabas and Artouste.
Everything you need to know about Laruns.

Blanche FontaineDid you know?

The fountain that stands proudly in the heart of Laruns is carved from white marble from Louvie-Soubiron, which was once quarried in the valley.

Erected in the 19th century, it also bears witness to the golden age of spa tourism in the Ossau Valley.
Find out all about the history of marble in the Ossau Valley.

The insider tipA food lover and a gourmet

Before leaving the Ossau Valley, do stop off atthe Atelier d’Ossau.

It’s the perfect place to pick up some of the flavours of the mountains, or put together a picnic with a Béarn twist.
Find out all about the Atelier d’Ossau.

Do you know him?Le Grueil

In Laruns, ‘greuil’ is a legacy of the pastoral tradition: this curd is made from the whey left over after sheep’s cheese has been produced.

In the old days, nothing went to waste! It is still enjoyed today, sweetened… sometimes with a dash of Armagnac.
Find out all about grueil.

ExperienceSomething to experience at least once

Every year in early July, the Ossau Valley comes alive with the annual drive of the flocks up to the mountain pastures. In Laruns, the ewes pass through the village in an incredibly authentic atmosphere, amidst the sound of cowbells, shepherds and Béarn traditions.
A highlight of local life that’s well worth seeing at least once. (Dates vary depending on weather conditions and snowmelt)
Find out all about transhumance in the Ossau Valley.

The Cheese FairNot to be missed

On the first weekend of October, Laruns celebrates one of its greatest treasures: Ossalois cheese. Throughout the weekend, the village welcomes producers, hosts craft demonstrations, features Béarn folk songs and holds a competition for the best sheep’s cheese.
It’s the sort of event where the whole village lives and breathes Pyrenean traditions.
Find out more about the cheese fair.

At lunchtime

Facing the mountain Picnic Right by the water’s edge!

Off to the Gléré de Pon picnic area, just a few minutes away!
We take out our finds from the Laruns market: sheep’s cheese, cold meats, lovely bread and spit-roasted cake. Everyone helps themselves, tastes and shares.

Everything you need to know about the picnic area

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Glere Pon3 Picnic Area, Credit: Otlaruns, Artouste
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Office de Tourisme de Laruns

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Cascade De Seris1otvo
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Office de Tourisme de la Vallée d'Ossau

At around 2.30 pm... The Séris Waterfall An oasis of freshness

After the picnic, we set off for the Séris waterfall. The path gradually leads us into a wilder, greener landscape. When we arrive, the sound of the water and the coolness of the waterfall really take effect.

A perfect walk to get the whole family moving… without having to hear my teenagers ask “Is it much further?” every five minutes!

Everything you need to know about the Séris waterfall

At around 4.45 pm... Gourmet break

Back in the village, one last stop is in order.
We settle down on the terrace for a refreshing break.
Everyone chooses their favourite treat and savours the local blueberry specialities.
After a day out in the fresh air, no one needs much persuading to make the gentle journey back down to Pau… comfortably settled in our coach!

At around 5.15 pm... It’s time to set off

After this invigorating outing in the great outdoors, it’s time to head back to Pau.

Transport tip:
Head to the “Collège” bus stop to catch the 524 bus
Departure from Laruns at 5.30 pm
Arrives in Pau at 6.30 pm
Timetables and fares to be confirmed on the transport operator’s website.