What to do around Pau ?
If you travel to Pau, the environment of the Bearn region has not finished surprising you. Between discovery of exceptional places and sensational activities, discover our top 7 of the best activities to do around Pau.
Going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes
Ideally, plan a day to discover this place full of history and culture. You will start by strolling in the beautiful historical center of the city, overlooked by the castle of Lourdes, classified as a historical monument. You can visit this 1000 year old defensive building and discover at the same time the Pyrenean Museum, labeled Museum of France. It is the ideal place to enjoy a view of the city, surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees.
For a more spiritual experience, go to the grotto of Lourdes, the very place where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette. For a complete immersion, you can join the 10:00 am mass or the 3:30 pm rosary prayer. The best way to leave the grotto is to collect some water from the fountain, and then follow in Bernadette's footsteps as she meanders through the important places in her life.
The depths of the Betharram Caves
On the border between the Atlantic Pyrenees and the Hautes-Pyrenees, the caves of Bétharram are often cited as being the most beautiful in Europe. They differ from the traditional caves by the originality of their visit.
You will begin the visit on foot before continuing it by boat and finally ending it by small train. Inside, the cave is composed of 3 floors of galleries spread over almost 3 km.
It is one of the first caves to be opened to the general public since it was already welcoming visitors in 1880. Today, the cave is even accessible to people with reduced mobility since a ramp now replaces the original steps.
Relax in the thermal waters of Salies-de-Béarn
Rejuvenate yourself by enjoying a moment of well-being in these 150 year old thermal baths. Its mineralization is composed of 26 trace elements which gives it unique therapeutic virtues in the world. This composition can help fight against rheumatism, arthritis and certain traumas. It is even said that its water is 10 times saltier than sea water.
Come and discover the salt cave and the lagoon of the dead sea of terms. It is a journey shaped through 3 rooms stimulating all the senses around the universe of salt and thermal water. It is like being in a real cave, a soothing and therapeutic place.
You can also find a wellness area with a spa, a beauty area where you can enjoy high quality beauty treatments, an aquatic area and a fitness area.
Via Ferrata of Siala
Equip yourself with a helmet and a harness and you are ready to climb the Pyrenees! Overlooking the Ossau valley, the via ferrata allows you to rise to the top of the mountains to enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley.
It is a via ferrata with a difference in altitude of 150m to 180m, depending on the difficulty. The luckiest ones will be able to observe griffon vultures during their ascent.
The via ferrata is accessible to all. An easy course offering great sensations can be done with the family, while a second section is dedicated to people looking for adrenaline.