1. January: New Year's concert
The launch of the cultural year in Pau is always marked by theOrchestre de Pau Pays de Béarn's New Year's concert. This major symphonic event takes place at Pau's Zénith on the first Sunday in January.
Continuing the great tradition of New Year's concerts, this event attracts large numbers of spectators every year. Each year, the rich program focuses on a symbol of the city or a particular theme.
2. February: Carnaval Biarnès
The beginning of the year continues in style in Pau with the Carnaval Biarnés. These festivities take place over several days in different communes of the Béarn region, in the tradition of Pyrenean carnivals.
This popular pagan festival has existed for over 35 years and returns to Pau every year, enlivening the city around the story of His Majesty Sent Pançard and his court.
Various ritual stages punctuate Carnaval Biarnès, followed by hours of concerts and dancing.
3. March: the International Pyrenees Canoe-Kayak Cup(PYCUP)
In March, the PYCUP takes place at the Stade d'Eaux Vives in Pau. The International Pyrenees Canoe-Kayak Slalom Cup has been bringing together the world's elite in these disciplines since 2010.
Over 300 athletes compete in the PYCUP. The event brings together 23 nations from 4 continents, and links the Pau stadium to another emblematic site: the SEU in Urgell, Spain.
Don't miss the qualifiers and final of this international competition during your stay in Pau.
4. April: Jurançon Terrace
After the success of the 3rd edition in 2024, there's no doubt that this festival is set to become a not-to-be-missed event in Palaiso.
An initiative of the Jurançon independent winegrowers' collective, this festive springtime event invites you to discover "the gold of Béarn" in the heart of downtown Pau.
La Terrasse du Jurançon promises tastings and privileged exchanges with the collective's winemakers. A host of local producers will also be on hand for on-site catering.
5. May: European Museum Night
If your stay in Pau coincides with the Nuit Européenne des Musées (European Night of Museums), don't hesitate to push open the doors of these emblematic cultural venues.
Explore Pau's Musée des Beaux-Arts and its rich collections after dark. You'll discover Flemish, Dutch, Spanish and French paintings from the 15th to the 20th centuries.
The Musée National du Château is also taking part in this night-time opening. Enter this monument spanning 1,000 years of history and marvel at the most beautiful tapestries by Les Gobelins, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries, as well as the special events organized for the occasion.
6. June: Fête de la Musique in Pau
This national event is also showcased in Pau, with mostly local programming on more than 10 stages throughout the city.
It's a festive event to relax to the rhythm of new musical discoveries. Take advantage of the opportunity to dance to a variety of traditional and modern styles.
7. July - August: l'Été à Pau Festival
The Été à Pau festival has been straddling July and August every year since 1982. The summer program is rich and varied, with shows, entertainment and even sports facilities.
Each year, this festival gives the people of Palais and tourists alike the chance to enjoy 10 evenings of music, offering the public the chance to discover top-notch artists, as well as new talent.
8. August: "Un air de vacances" Festival
In August in Pau, the Festival Un Air de Vacances invades the public space. You can attend street art shows, meet clowns and acrobats on their wanderings, and enjoy accompanying concerts.
This 3-day festival delights young and old with performances that are as impressive as they are entertaining. Magic-flavored entertainment with a touch of madness.
9. September: European Heritage Days
If you missed the Night of the Museums in Pau, you can take advantage of the exceptional opening of the city's monuments during the European Heritage Days.
This event is usually held on the third weekend in September. Numerous events are scheduled throughout the country for each edition of this European and international cultural event.
10. October: Festival Accès)s(
The Accès)s( Festival showcases artistic practices linked to technology. It's a meeting place for electronic culture and digital art. New technologies are an integral part of this unique project in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, bringing a new perspective to the fields of visual arts, music and live performance.
The festival takes over the city for two months, with a program of exhibitions, shows, screenings, concerts, conferences...
11. November: "Ideas rule the world
Every year since 2014, Ideas lead the world in Pau and aim to be much more than just literary gatherings. With talks by experts and personalities from different fields: writers, philosophers, artists, scientists...
Three days of reflection on a chosen theme, attracting some 30,000 visitors. This unique event takes place at the Palais Beaumont and the Foirail.
12. December: Pau's Festival of Lights and Christmas Market
December in Pau is all about Christmas festivities. The enchantment begins at the beginning of the month. Don't miss the Festival of Lights and theatrical parades, the Enchanted Village and the Ferris Wheel, as well as the Christmas Market and its gourmet stalls.
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