Randonneurs Sur Le Boulevard Des Pyrenees

The Way of Saint James From Lescar to Pau, towards Spain

Taking the road to Santiago de Compostela is an opportunity to meet yourself, others and nature. Lescar is a stopover on the via Tolosona, which comes from Arles. Whether you’re a pilgrim or just a hiker, you’re very close to Spain! In Lescar, then in Pau, take time out for a welcome break, to recharge your batteries before crossing the Pyrenees, taunting you on the horizon. You’ll discover treasures to nourish body and soul!

Getting there

Gr653 Saint Jacques Lescar Pau Pyrenees Tourisme Paul Louis 1

Lescar Refugedelescar Pelerins Pau Pyrenees Tourisme

Randonneurs De Dos Sur Boulevard Des Pyrenees

Lescar, Episcopal city

Via the GR 653 from Morlaàs or Anoye, or via the GR 65 (route du Puy en Velay), walkers will find a warm welcome and a comfortable, well-equipped refuge in the former episcopal town of Lescar. A stopover that can take you as far as Pau for a visit.

Pau is remarkable not only for its view of the Pyrenees, but also for its 12th-century Notre Dame de L’Assomption cathedral, the largest Romanesque building in Béarn. Discover the mysterious Romanesque mosaic of the “Moorish hunter”, the treasure trove containing two episcopal crosses (13th and 14th centuries), and the 17th-century murals illustrating the life of the Virgin Mary.

The themes and styles of some of the capitals bear witness to the movement of sculptors along the Arles route.

Discover

The pilgrim spirit

5,000 pilgrims pass through Lescar every year. A spirit of conviviality and fraternity reigns in the refuge. Everything is based on mutual trust: use of the facilities is free, and each pilgrim gives what he or she wants for the services provided. The refuge even has a mobile library: each traveller leaves or takes the book of their choice!

“What a joy it is when you get there and see people you’ve met on the road. It’s like we’ve known each other forever!

The Lescar refuge of the city

The refuge is reserved for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. It is located in the heart of the medieval town of Lescar, behind the cathedral. Bright and airy, it opens onto a pleasant garden and is well-equipped to meet all the needs of walkers and cyclists on this legendary route:

12 beds in 3 dormitories,
Fully-equipped kitchen
Two showers and 2 WCs
Secure bike room
WIFI
Washing machine and tumble dryer
Convenience store

Shops nearby: bakery, butcher’s…

Pilgrims must go to the tourist office to pay for their overnight stay and collect their entry code. They are warmly welcomed by the volunteers, who are happy to help…

The refuge

Welcome desk for pilgrims

5 rue Callebraque – Lescar

refugelescar64@gmail.com

Tourist Office

Reservations, reception and credencial sales

Tuesday to Saturday
9am-12pm and 2pm-6pm

How to get to Lescar

By bus from Pau city center: 7 km Idelis line and from Pau train station: Line F (Bosquet stop) then Line 8
From the airport (7 m): by cab
By bike: V81 – Voie Verte from Pau

With my dog

Remember to keep your dog on a leash to avoid accidents with walkers and cyclists.

Via Tolosona

At 1740 km, the via Tolosana is the longest Jacobean route in France: it starts in Arles and passes through Toulouse. It reaches Pau via Maubourguet in the north of the département (with a link to Lourdes via the GR101). Pilgrims cross the Pyrenees via the Aspe valley to Le Somport.

From Lescar, 32 km of demanding walking separate you from Oloron-Sainte-Marie, and you’ll make your way through the heart of the Jurançon vineyards to the Commanderie de Lacommande, a unique site in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. You cross the rich Gascon countryside, the hillsides of Béarn and the Vallée d’Aspe. The beauty of the landscape will be your constant companion all the way to the Spanish border.

Béarn paths

Although not pilgrims, many hikers and cyclists follow the GR paths that cross the Béarn region. It’s another way of getting to know our land. The hiking trails are well-marked and well-maintained, but you still need to plan your hike carefully. A map, a charged telephone, water and good shoes are all essential. And above all, be respectful of nature and the people you meet!