Where can you enjoy water sports in Pau?

In Pau, you can try your hand at white-water sports at the Bizanos Aquasports Park, canoe or kayak down the Gave de Pau, or enjoy canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Aressy.

Which water sport should you choose to get started in Pau?

If you’d like to start off gently, why not try canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Aressy? If you’d like to try your hand at white-water sports, the Parc Aquasports offers supervised activities suitable for beginners.

Is it possible to go rafting in Pau with children?

Yes. At Bizanos Aquasports Park, several white-water activities are available for children aged 8 and over. You must be able to swim and comply with the specific requirements for each activity.

What equipment should you bring for white-water activities in Pau?

Please bring a swimsuit, a towel and shoes suitable for wearing in the water. For supervised activities, helmets, life jackets and safety equipment are either provided or compulsory, depending on the activity.

Do you need to book in advance to take part in water sports in Pau?

Booking is essential for public activities at the Aquasports Park. For other venues and service providers around Pau, please check the terms and conditions, opening hours and availability before you visit.

Water sports in Pau: Where to start? | Pau Pyrénées Tourisme

At the Bizanos Aquasports Park, champions and teams from all over the world come to test their skills against the waves and currents. Just a few kilometres away, the Gave de Pau offers a more natural kind of adventure. And if your idea of a thrill is more about not capsizing your paddleboard, Lake Aressy awaits you with its calm waters.

Canoeing and kayaking have a long history here. The Pau University Canoe-Kayak Club notably trained Tony Estanguet, a three-time Olympic champion. And Pau continues to attract major competitions: in April 2026, the Parc Aquasports hosted the Junior and U23 World Rafting Championships and a Senior World Cup. That sets the scene.

White water, calm waters, on your own or with a guide: we’ll help you choose!

With or without a whirlpool? Choose your electricity supplier!

Water sports park Sensations guaranteed!

For a real adrenaline rush: the Aquasports Park in Bizanos. Here, it’s all about the thrills, the splashes and the speed. Rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed and other water sports let you experience white water at a venue that also hosts international competitions. But you don’t need an Olympic track record: activities are available to everyone.

Everything you need to know about Aquasports Park

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In the wild Through the seasons!

To reach the Gave: head for the Pont d’Espagne in Jurançon. That’s where the Pau University Canoe-Kayak Club has set up its white-water centre. The atmosphere changes: more river, more greenery, and the Gave de Pau, a reminder that, round here, the Pyrenees are never far away. The club offers activities for different levels and can guide paddlers along the routes around Pau.

Everything you need to know about the Pau University Canoe and Kayak Club

At Lake Aressy A peaceful glide

If you fancy taking it easy, head for Lake Aressy. The water is calm and the outing takes on a different pace. Whether you’re canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, this is the perfect spot to find your feet and paddle at a leisurely pace. However, there’s one important caveat: swimming in the lake is prohibited. Paddle along, enjoy the scenery, but save the dip for somewhere else.

Find out more about Lake Aressy

Getting support In water sports

Get ready to get wet Under the right conditions

Good news!

There’s no need to carry your whole house on your back. But a few essentials will make your day out much more enjoyable. Pop a swimsuit into your bag, along with a sun top if you want to protect yourself from the sun, closed-toe shoes that can go in the water, a towel and sun cream. Whilst you’re at it, choose a sun cream that’s gentle on aquatic environments.

White-water rafting Safety first

At Parc Aquasports, water-appropriate footwear is essential, and a wetsuit is provided when conditions require it. And on white water, we take safety very seriously: a helmet, lifejacket and suitable equipment are all part of the experience.
Follow the instructions given by the centre and the instructors. The aim is to enjoy the thrills, not to go off on your own as a lone adventurer.

Get ready for a good laugh Before they’d even got the hang of paddling!

In relaxation or sport mode A real treat!

Never held a paddle before? Perfect. That’s part of the fun. The first few strokes are sometimes a bit haphazard. You pull too hard on one side. You splash the person who didn’t ask for any of this.

You realise that a raft clearly has a mind of its own when it comes to which way to go. Then you find your rhythm. One, two, one, two… The water picks up speed, the raft surges forward and the shouts quickly turn into bursts of laughter.

Whether you’re going for a sporty or a leisurely trip, the result is often the same: for a few hours, you don’t think about much else other than the next paddle stroke. And frankly, it feels great.

Find the formula Who’s just like you?

In a group Or on your own?

Are you a beginner? Choose a supervised activity.
You’ll benefit from advice, equipment and a reassuring environment so you can focus on what matters most: sailing and having fun.

Are you coming with your family?
Choose a package tailored to everyone’s age and ability. At Parc Aquasports, activities for the general public are open to those aged 8 and over, provided you can swim, and booking is essential.
Are you with friends?
Rafting has one unbeatable advantage: everyone’s in the same boat. Literally. When it comes to team spirit, we’ve yet to find anything more effective than tackling a tricky rapid.
Do you prefer to go it alone?
Then head for the calm waters of Lake Aressy, whilst observing the site’s regulations and access conditions. For white-water rafting and trips down the Gave, guided tours remain the best option if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

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Advice from friends Before you take the plunge!

Have you chosen your spot? One last look before you set off.

At Aquasports Park

Please note that at Parc Aquasports, you must be at least 8 years old, be able to swim and book your activity in advance. Please also check the opening hours and terms and conditions before you visit.

At the Pont d’Espagne

At the Pont d’Espagne, the Pau University Canoe and Kayak Club offers a range of packages and activities depending on the season.

Check out their website and choose the guided tour that suits you best!

At Lake Aressy

For Lake Aressy, rental options and access arrangements may also change: please check the latest information before loading your paddles into the car.

So... Ready to take the plunge?

In Pau, one thing’s for sure: you’re going to get wet. And that’s a good sign!
Rafting, canoeing, hydrospeed… choose your thrill and let the professionals guide you: they know the river, its routes and its moods, and will be able to steer you towards the activity best suited to your level.

Then, grab your paddle, listen to the instructions and enjoy yourself. Seeking out the eddies only to be swept away – that’s the paradox of white water in Pau. And to really take the plunge, it’s best to be in good company. After that, I promise, it’ll all come naturally.