The Pyrénées-Atlantiques, located on the Spanish border, are bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on the east by the Pyrenees. They form a land of contrasts with on one side the Basque Country and on the other the Bearn. The destination offers a diversity of landscapes and activities. The Pyrenean massifs are ideal for skiing in Gourette, Artouste or la Pierre Saint-Martin, for thermal baths in Salies-de-Béarn, Cambo-les-Bains, Eaux-Bonnes and Eaux-Chaudes, and for hiking. In Pau, the castle where Henri IV was born and the boulevard des Pyrénées, populated with palm trees, with its panoramic view of the mountains, are a must. The department is rich in seven caves, Isturitz, Sare and Betharram being the most mentioned in the tourist guides. Typical villages have remained authentic like Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Ascain or Ainhoa. To get some height, the train of the Rhune, dating from 1924, leads to the mythical summit of the Basque Country at 905 meters. The cities of the coast from Bayonne to the border form a chain where the majority of tourists are concentrated. Biarritz is the surfers' spot, Saint-Jean-de-Luz seduces by its charm, Hendaye is proud of its immense fine sand beach. The gourmet specialties of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques are as varied as the territory: Jurançon, Madiran, Irrouléguy wines, Basque cider, suckling lamb, Bigorre black pork, Béarn pudding, Bayonne ham and chocolate, ewe's milk cheese, Basque cake,Espelette pepper, Salies salt, trout, salmon and chipirons.
When to go to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques? Given the diversity of climates and landscapes of the Atlantic Pyrenees, the period is chosen according to the activities. When to go to the Pyrénées-Atlantique? Snow sliding lovers will prefer the months of January to March, those who like water sliding will come from May to September even if some surfers are present all year round. The best period is the high season for all types of tourism, but it rains in the Basque Country in summer, which can cool the temperature. If it rains, you can always take refuge in bars or tea rooms to drink hot chocolate. In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, there are many demonstrations. The most famous are the Bayonne festivals, which begin the first weekend of August and end the following Sunday, and the Espelette chilli pepper festival, which takes place at the end of October. Many races or marathons take place all year round, but the most spectacular in March is the Pyrenean Snow Triathlon where you have to run 19 kilometres, pedal 35 kilometres and ski touring 2.5 kilometres. Fishing is also a sport and in July the World Salmon Fishing Championship attracts many enthusiasts to Navarrenx. Pau is the only city in France with an urban layout and its shoelaces are famous in the world of motor racing. Even if some would like them to disappear, the big prizes still exist. Spotlight on Biarritz on July 14 and August 15 with pyrotechnic shows and a bodega village. At the end of June-early July in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, the jazz festival des Rives et des Notes often plays to a sold-out audience. At the end of July and beginning of August, Château de Laàs hosts the festival des Transhumances musicales (folk, rock, tales, etc.). Finally, the gourmands will all be on the first weekend of October in Laruns for the Cheese Fair
The weather in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques is divided in two. The oceanic side is mostly wet in winter and dry in summer. The average temperature varies between 5 and 22 °C, with peaks of up to 38 °C in July and August and minimums slightly below 0. The mountainous area is close to a subalpine climate with winter snow cover. Temperatures are sometimes negative in winter, but can rise to 25°C or more in summer. Pau has a temperate Mediterranean climate.
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