Where is the Jurançon wine-growing region in relation to Pau?

The Jurançon vineyards stretch across the hillsides to the south and west of Pau. They are just a few minutes’ drive from the town centre.

How can you explore the Jurançon Wine Route?

The Wine Route is mainly explored by car, travelling from estate to estate. It offers the chance to meet the winegrowers, visit the cellars and discover the vineyard landscapes.

Do you need to book in advance to visit a vineyard?

Booking is recommended, particularly during busy periods. Opening hours, visiting conditions and admission prices vary from estate to estate.

Can you taste Jurançon at the producers’ premises?

Yes. Many vineyards offer tastings of dry or sweet Jurançon. The person driving does not drink alcohol.

What is the difference between dry Jurançon and sweet Jurançon?

Dry Jurançon has a lively, fresh profile. Sweet Jurançon is smoother and richer. The winegrowers showcase these styles at tastings.

Is it possible to explore the Jurançon hillsides on foot or by bike?

Yes. There are several routes for exploring the hillsides on foot or by bike. The terrain is hilly: check the distance and gradient before setting off.

What is there to see in the Pyrenean foothills around Jurançon?

Here you’ll find vineyards, villages, walking trails and viewpoints overlooking Pau and the Pyrenees, including the Pic du Midi d’Ossau.

Jurançon Wine, vineyards and hillsides!

If I say ‘Jurançon’, you’ll no doubt think of the wine, but there’s more to it than that! Beyond the golden nectar, Jurançon is the name of the foothills of the Pyrenees to the south of Pau – the Jurançon hillsides. Finally, it’s the name of the town that lends its name to the famous wine. A terroir with gentle, rounded characteristics and a region full of character, just waiting to be discovered!

Getting there

Undulating hillsides

From Pau, take in this lush green landscape, there, at the foot of the magnificent Pyrenees mountain range. The dense vegetation covering the rolling hills literally undulates in this land of pastoral life.

The hillsides exude a special atmosphere: a haven, a link between the town and the valley, the plain and the Pyrenees. Like our sun-kissed grapes, they are nothing but soft and rounded. The roads, sometimes narrow, wind and twist to the rhythm of the undulating terrain, from which emerge elegant mansions, authentic Béarn-style houses and wine estates.

Vineyards are almost everywhere. You are in the Jurançon AOC, with its tall vines arranged in a veritable amphitheatre facing south and the mountains that plunge down steep slopes, As you walk along the ridge, you’re sure to come across stunning views not only of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau, the vineyards and the Pyrenees, but also of Pau below.

The King’s Wine, the King of Wines

According to legend, it was Henry II of Navarre who, at the christening of his grandson Henry IV, rubbed a clove of garlic on his lips and gave him a few drops of Jurançon to drink. That was all it took to link this wine to the future sovereign and contribute to the legend. Jurançon features at the tables of the House of France’s grand ceremonies and continues to grace the finest national and international banquets to this day.
As for the town of Jurançon itself, it proudly displays its motto in large letters on the pediment of the town hall: ‘Bî dou Rey, rey dous bîs’ (Wine of the King, King of Wines), further proof, if any were needed, of the royal lineage of this golden-hued nectar.

‘As a teenager, I met a passionate, imperious prince, as treacherous as all great seducers: Jurançon.’ Colette

Jurançon wine tasting Gan Winery or independent producers

When you’re in a country as food-loving as ours, nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. Experiencing the landscape, savouring fine wine, of course, but above all meeting the passionate winegrowers and winemakers who will tell you all about their terroir and its unique history!

To get to know the soul of Jurançon, you have two options:

visiting independent winegrowers
at the Gan cooperative winery.

Pay them a visit by following the wine route; you’ll be welcomed by people who love their terroir and who never tire of singing the praises of this ‘royal’ drink or sharing anecdotes about it.

Jurançon

By car

You’ll only be able to follow the wine route if you have a car. In any case, please be sensible and careful: drinking too much alcohol is dangerous to your health, especially when driving! If you’re driving, don’t drink.

By bike

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the countryside around Jurançon. Our cycle paths and routes invite you to set off on an adventure!

Hiking

There are some lovely walks to enjoy in the hills all year round. Each season has its own colours, scents and atmosphere. Please feel free to ask us for the guidebooks atthe Tourist Office.

Nature

Our natural environment is beautiful and unique. Please respect it. Don’t leave any rubbish or cigarette ends behind. Ride responsibly and try to walk where possible.

The Wine Route

This is the best way to discover not only the vineyard and its beauty, but also Jurançon in all its forms, as told by those who bring it to life every day.

The vines are grown on south- and south-east-facing slopes at an altitude of between 300 and 400 metres. They benefit from a balance of rainfall and mild temperatures, thanks to the Foehn (Balaguera), a warm wind. Grown on the slopes of the hillsides, the grapes are harvested by hand.

From Jurançon to Monein, via Lacommande and right up to the outskirts of Oloron-Sainte-Marie, the Jurançon AOC, with its 1,200 hectares and some 360 winegrowers, has plenty to satisfy even the most discerning palates… in moderation, of course!

Good addresses

©
Irene Guilhendou Vignoble L.moynat 10
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Laurent MOYNAT

©
Cavedupalais Armagnac Pau Pyrenees Tourisme Paul Louis
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Pau Pyrénées Tourisme | PL

Extend the journey Discover more wines

Jurançon is a wine that is as local to Pau as it gets, but the foothills of the Pyrenees also produce other fine wines:

Madiran, a red wine whose vineyards are spread across the Gers, Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées. This characterful, powerful and full-bodied wine pairs beautifully with local cuisine, from duck to pork!
Pacherenc, produced in the same region as Madiran, offers dry white wines, sweet wines and even late-harvest sweet wines.
Armagnac – although this wine brandy is distilled by our close neighbours, we do sometimes serve it here too!