A land of gastronomy, sports, culture and history, Béarn boasts a number of must-see tourist sites and an exceptional environment with its forests, vast plains and mountains. You'll love this prime vacation destination with its picturesque villages, ski resorts and the Pyrenees National Park. So what's there to do and see in Béarn? Discover the 14 must-sees in a region that will amaze you with its beauty and diversity. Whether you're a lover of nature, heritage or gastronomy, this article guides you through the best experiences Béarn has to offer.
1. Pau, a must-see in Béarn
Any tourist guide to Pau will tell you: there are thousands of reasons to visit this town, and you'll quickly discover that there are almost as many to love it. Its relaxed lifestyle makes it one of France's favorite cities. Its palm trees and exceptional gardens give it a unique atmosphere, further enhanced by the view of snow-capped peaks. The birthplace of Henri IV, its royal heritage has left it with a rich heritage and irresistible architecture. A cultural city with one of France's finest Zeniths and a Fine Arts Museum, unique events such as the F1 Grand Prix and the Tour de France, the capital of Béarn is lively all year round, which explains why 12,000 students choose its renowned universities. What to do and see in Pau? Petit Futé gives you its 13 must-sees.
2. Oloron-Sainte-Marie
Oloron, with itsrich cultural heritage, lies on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela and is a crossroads between Spain and the Atlantic, as well as a hub at the confluence of three valleys. The town has developed its own identity and attracted visitors over the years. A Michelin star marks the city's entry into a new era of tourism. Thanks to a particularly dynamic municipality, Oloron has succeeded in enhancing its rich architectural heritage, while innovating with the introduction of a wristband for information at the 14 interactive kiosks installed in the town's three historic districts .
3. The splendid Somport ski area
A cross-border resort, Somport offers a splendid ski area between France and Spain, set in an unspoilt site in the heart of the magnificent Pyrenees National Park. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are the main activities, with a variety of itineraries ranging from white to black runs, through plateaus and undergrowth. With 9 trails and 34 km of fun, the resort also offers a 9 km orange trail, safe and reserved for pedestrians and snowshoers, without crossing the cross-country ski trails. A short loop on the French side can be covered in an hour, whilea long loop leads to Candanchu on the Spanish side. In Spain, you can also discover a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, as well as a toboggan run for children. Le Somport is a pleasant, modern family resort.
4. Accous, a must-see valley in Béarn
The capital of the Vallée d'Aspe canton, Accous is a typical Béarn commune located close to the Pyrenean mountains. Visitors appreciate its unspoilt environment and biodiversity, offering a great opportunity to take a breath of fresh air in the countryside. Accous has a long history. There are houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, recognizable by their carved pediments, but it's the 12th-century Romanesque chapel of Saint-Saturnin-de-Jouers that stands out. The Manoir de Jouers, a former lay abbey, boasts an impressive square dovecote. Finally, Accous is home to an eco-museum housed in a former cheese factory, where you can discover the history of cheese-making techniques and culinary traditions associated with the valley's cheeses.
5. La Pierre-Saint-Martin, a family ski resort in Béarn
A unique karstic site, La Pierre-Saint-Martin is also a mecca for speleology and offers exceptional scenery. In winter, the site is home to a family-friendly alpine ski resort with twenty marked runs. Rising to 1,760 metres, the Col de la Pierre-Saint-Martin offers magnificent views over Spanish territory and the "arres", fields of crevassed lapiaz sculpted by water run-off, which stretch out at the foot of the Pic d'Anie (2,504 metres). La Pierre-Saint-Martin is the very first resort in the Pyrenees to be awarded the "Flocon Vert" label, testifying to its commitment to a sustainable environmental policy. Béarn is a real nature getaway!
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6. Eaux-Bonnes
At the end of the 18th century, Eaux-Bonnes was just a wooden village at the end of the narrow Sourde gorge. It wasn't until the following century that some superb residences were built here, a few of which still stand today. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, numerous celebrities came to discover the benefits of its waters, including Queen Marguerite de Navarre, Jeanne d'Albret, Henri IV, Catherine de Navarre, the poets Du Bartas and Olhagaray, Loreau and, later, Montaigne, Delacroix, Flaubert, Taine and Louis Barthou. Discover Eaux-Bonnes through a tree-lined trail.
7. Les Eaux-Chaudes, a spa in Béarn
Located upstream from Laruns, at the entrance to the Hourat gorge, this village has been a spa since the 16th century, frequented by the House of Albret and later by Montaigne. In the 19th century, its waters were renowned for their effectiveness in treating infertility, hence their nickname of aygues emprénhadères (waters that make women full). Today, its seven sulfur, sodium, calcium and silicate springs are used to treat rheumatism and respiratory illnesses. The waters gush out at temperatures ranging from 10 to 36°C. Don't miss the 16th-century painting by the Flemish school in the Church of the Holy Trinity. A must-see in Béarn!
8. Artouste
Artouste, close to Spain (10 km) and the national park, offers a unique view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau and slopes surrounded by fir trees. The ski area is equipped to cater for all levels and types of skier: Snowpark, Kid park, Boardercross. You'll also be seduced by the charming pedestrian village on the shores of Fabrèges lake, appreciated for its tranquility and warm welcome. In addition to skiing, there are a number of other activities on offer, including igloo weekends, night-time snowshoeing and caving. An ideal resort for relaxation and vacations!
9. Navarrenx, one of the oldest towns in Béarn
Navarrenx is one of the oldest communes in Béarn. Situated at the crossroads of the Gave d'Oloron and the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, it is an important stopover on the road to Le Puy-en-Velay. Listedas one ofFrance's Most Beautiful Villages, this fortified town is surrounded by imposing 10-metre-high ramparts, more than 200 metres longer than Carcassonne. The 17th-century arsenal is lined with arcades. The paintings in the Saint-Germain church are also well worth a visit. An underground fountain was recently uncovered. From the Porte Saint-Antoine, there's a superb view over the river Gave.
10. Béost
The village of Béost captivates visitors with the beauty of its natural surroundings. It's hard not to marvel when you look up at the surrounding mountain peaks In this village of 217 inhabitants, the architectural decorations on the houses are typical of the Ossau valley. Dominating the Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur church, the Château de Béost stands out with its tower. The church, dating from the 12th century and rebuilt in the 15th, is remarkable for its marble portal and sculpted tympanum in the neo-Romanesque style. The modillions above the portal, inherited from the High Middle Ages, stand out for their typically naive shapes.
11. Sauveterre, "the Pearl of Béarn
Sauveterre is an ancient medieval fortified town, often dubbed "the Pearl of Béarn", and rightly so! It overlooks the River Gave, majestic and impressive from the top of the cliff.The old town is fascinating, with its Romanesque-Gothic church, medieval gates, narrow streets and old buildings. Built by Gaston VII de Moncade, Viscount of Béarn, it was a major stronghold in Béarn, holding out well against Spanish invasions in the 16th century. The view of the river and mountains from the Saint-André terrace, on a clear day, is worthy of the finest postcards.
12. Lourdios-Ichère
Lourdios-Ichère is an old and friendly village, best known for its former mayor, Jean Lassalle, a presidential candidate in 2017! Like many in the Aspe valley, it abounds in charming sites, thanks in particular to the Espalungue stream, its tributary the Arrèc de Coueyla and the Gave de Lourdios which runs through it. Picturesque with its scattered houses, it's a mecca for green tourism thanks to its mountain location. As well as magnificent panoramic views, you'll find an interesting heritage here, including the 17th-century Saint-Isidore church (renovated in the 19th century) and the 18th-century Casteig farmhouse. You can't come to Lourdios-Ichère without visiting the Vallée d'Aspe eco-museum, dedicated to pastoral and agricultural life from the 19th century to the present day.
Discover our Top 10 most eco-friendly destinations to travel to
13. Lestelle-Bétharram
Lestelle-Bétharram has all the charm of an old bastide town, set in a valley but elevated on a terrace. Its orthogonal streets, square square and high defensive embankments are a reminder of its past. Lestelle-Bétharram remains an important religious site, still welcoming some 50,000 visitors a year: indeed, it is an important place of pilgrimage with its famous sanctuary dedicated to Notre-Dame. Take a stroll through the streets and admire the carved stone door frames, particularly those of the town hall, formerly the presbytery. Don't miss: the Pères de Bétharram heritage museum, arts and crafts, the Marian shrine overlooking the village and the Gave de Pau, the reliquary chapel, an expression of 1920s religious art, and a calvary with its fifteen evangelical stations.
14. The Grottes de Bétharram, a must-see in Béarn
The Grottes de Bétharram are among the most beautiful in Europe. Nestling between Pau and Lourdes, they reveal an enchanting underground world, sublimated by careful lighting. During a 1h20 guided tour, you'll cross a mountain carved out by water over the centuries, admire astonishing limestone formations, descend 250 steps to an underground river for a boat ride and a return trip on the little train. Open since 1903 and straddling the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées departments, these caves offer a unique experience during your vacation in Béarn!
What to do in Béarn with children?
Béarn is an ideal destination for family vacations, offering a multitude of activities suitable for children. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your stay with your little ones:
- Visit the Château de Pau
The Château de Pau, birthplace of Henri IV, offers guided tours and workshops for children. They can discover history in a fun and interactive way.
- Explore the Parc Animalier des Pyrénées
Located in Argelès-Gazost, this park lets children discover the wildlife of the Pyrenees in a natural setting. Marmots, bears and wolves are just some of the species you can observe.
- Skiing in Gourette or Artouste
Béarn's ski resorts offer slopes suitable for beginners as well as areas dedicated to children, such as snowparks and kid parks.
- Visit Grotte de Bétharram
This cave offers a unique experience with its rock formations and play of light. Children will be fascinated by this underground adventure.
- Discover the Artouste Train
The Artouste train, the highest in Europe, offers a panoramic view of the mountains. An ideal activity for lovers of trains and spectacular scenery.
What unusual visits can you make in Béarn?
The Béarn region is full of unusual visits that are off the beaten track and offer unique experiences. Here are a few suggestions for discovering the region from a different angle:
- Grotte de Bétharram
Located between Pau and Lourdes, this grotto offers a tour by train and boat through a fairytale underground world. You'll pass through stalagmite-filled chambers and an underground lake,a unique experience.
- The Artouste Train
The Artouste train, the highest in Europe, offers a panoramic view of the mountains. This train ride is an unusual adventure that will delight young and old alike.
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