What is there to see in the Béarn region around Pau?

You can explore charming villages, historic towns, the Jurançon hillsides, the mountain streams and the lower Pyrenean valleys.

Which villages in Béarn are worth visiting from Pau?

Salies-de-Béarn, Lescar, Oloron-Sainte-Marie and several villages in the foothills offer visitors the chance to explore the heritage, markets and landscapes of the Béarn region.

How do you organise a road trip in Béarn?

Choose a few stages depending on the time you have available, and check the distances, the weather and road conditions. Pau is a convenient starting point.

Is it possible to explore Béarn on foot or by bike?

Yes. The routes take you through hillsides, vineyards, forests and along the banks of mountain streams. Check the distance, elevation gain and difficulty level before setting off.

What local specialities should you try during a stay in Béarn?

Jurançon wine, Salies-de-Béarn salt, cheeses, cured meats and local recipes are just some of the products to discover at the markets and from local producers.

Is Béarn an easy place to visit with the family?

Yes. Villages, short walks, markets and heritage sites offer family-friendly ideas. Check the access requirements for mountain activities.

When is the best time to visit Béarn and the Pyrenees?

Béarn is a great place to visit all year round. Spring and autumn are ideal for walks, whilst summer makes it easier to reach the valleys and mountain passes.

Béarn | Pau Pyrénées Tourisme

Must-try specialities from Béarn

In Béarn, our major watercourses are known as ‘gaves’. The towns they flow through have just as much character as these intrepid rivers. From Pau, following the Gave, set off to explore Nay, Oloron Sainte-Marie, Orthez, Navarrenx, Sauveterre and Laàs. And don’t forget to make a detour to Salies-de-Béarn…

1. The Bastide of Nay White-water fun

Nay is a charming bastide that has become a thriving commercial hub. Even today, its Tuesday morning market is one of the largest in the region. This success enabled a wealthy cloth merchant, Pedro Sacaze, to build La Maison Carrée on the main square. In Nay, the Gave de Pau retains the vigour of a mountain torrent. It’s the perfect place to indulge your passion for white-water sports at the nearby Saillet leisure centre in Lestelle-Bétharram. Do take the time to visit the Minoterie, a huge mill that has been converted into a contemporary art gallery.

2. Oloron-Sainte-Marie A Béarn beret and Swiss chocolate

The capital of Haut-Béarn looks out over the Aspe Valley. As a bishopric, it bears traces of the past in its stonework. The carved portal of its cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For that authentic Béarn feel, in Oloron-Sainte-Marie you’ll find beautiful, authentic Béarn berets, which have been made by the Laulhère factory since 1840. And although Lindt chocolate isn’t from Béarn, it is indeed made in Oloron, where the tradition of chocolate-making dates back to 1915.

3. Navarrenx One for all, all to Navarrenx

The bastide of Navarrenx lies at the heart of the lands of Alexandre Dumas’s musketeers. Our favourite Gascon characters grew up around Navarrenx. Situated on the Way of St James (the Puy-en-Velay route), it has been welcoming pilgrims since the Middle Ages. Why not take the opportunity to sample some wild salmon caught in the Gave d’Oloron, right beneath its ramparts… It was well worth the detour, wasn’t it?

Roadtrip

The Béarn is the perfect place for some wonderful road trips. Let us guide you through this region of stunning natural beauty!

Tourist Office

To plan your holiday, pop intothe Tourist Office!

Hiking

Whether by bike or on foot, there are some lovely walks to enjoy . Don’t forget to bring a bottle of fresh water!

In the mountains

Depending on the season, do remember to check the weather forecast and the accessibility of the mountain passes.

4. Salies-de-Béarn The spice of life

La Heste de la Saü: in Salies-de-Béarn, we celebrate the salt for which the town has been renowned since ancient times! Fed by a saltwater spring, Salies-de-Béarn built its wealth on ‘white gold’. It was the source for the spa resort opened in 1815, where the Eiffel family, Marcel Proust, and Francis and Zelda Scott Fitzgerald came for treatment… Renowned amongst connoisseurs, genuine Bayonne ham is salted using salt from Salies!

5. Orthez Bearnese pride

It was in the former capital of the Viscounts of Béarn that Gaston Fébus declared Béarn’s independence. Orthez’s motto sets the tone: “Toque-y si gauses” (Touch it if you dare!). The keep of Château Moncade can still be seen there. In the 16th century, Jeanne d’Albret founded a Protestant academy in Orthez. This history is commemorated in the Jeanne d’Albret Museum. The town experienced significant growth in the 20th century following the discovery of the Lacq field, France’s largest natural gas field, which attracted numerous petrochemical industries to set up in the region.