1. A tree-climbing course in the Vert-Tiges forest
North of Pau, near the Domaine de Sers, this enchanted oak grove offers 15 courses of increasing difficulty. Accessible to intrepid families and thrill-seekers alike, the site offers a variety of accrobranches courses, as well as other outdoor activities.
For an outing with friends or a team-building activity, archery tag is a game of speed and skill, comparable to the concept of paintball, but with a bow and arrow.
The Vert-Tiges forest also offers a specially-designed barefoot trail, allowing you to explore without shoes, stimulating your senses in the midst of nature. An original way to rediscover the environment that surrounds us and to reconnect with forgotten sensations.
For adventure lovers, Géotrack is a concept that combines escape games and orienteering.
Remember to make a reservation to ensure that you can enter the premises during the desired time slot.
2. A walk in the Bastard state forest
Not far from the Vert-tiges forest leisure park is the entrance to the Bastard state forest. Also known as the Bois de Pau, these 300 hectares on the northern edge of the city are a haven for biodiversity. Part of the vast Pont Long moors, the forest is managed by the Office National des Forêts. The site is classified as a "sensitive natural area".
Come and relax after a hard day's work in this rejuvenating setting with its wide, shady paths. The full circuit is 7 km long and can be explored on foot or by bike. It's not unusual to come across the Domaine de Sers horses.
A 4 km fitness trail is also available free of charge all year round. Bois de Bastard is also on the Arles route to Santiago de Compostela.
3. A bike ride on the greenway from Pau to Narcastet
This cycling itinerary from downtown Pau takes you to the commune of Narcastet in around 3 hours. The 17 km distance between the two points has a difference in altitude of around 30 meters.
Departing from Pau's stade d'Eaux-Vives, you quickly leave the city behind and follow the shady banks of the Gave de Pau for around 8 kilometers.
If you follow the signposts on this cycle route, you'll see a number of points of interest, including the Château de Pau and the Haras de Gelos, built on this property by Napoleon Bonaparte himself.
A little further on, linger in front of the pollarded plane trees. The particular shape of these trees is due to a traditional pruning technique used in the South of France. Pruning has been carried out several times in order to use up the wood, giving the trees the appearance of massive trunks topped by thinner, cluster-like branches.
4. A water sports activity at Pau's Parc Aquasports
This 5,000 m2 body of water is an exceptional complex recognized in the world of sport by top international athletes who use it for training or competition. The artificial river and its equipment are also accessible to the general public for an extraordinary experience.
Pau's Stade d'Eaux-Vives welcomes families, groups and companies and offers a range of water sports activities. Try a float trip, which will give you a thrill as you take on the bends, eddies and 360° of the course. Hydrospeed is similar to a buoy ride at first glance, but the immersion is more intense. You need to be able to catch the current and steer yourself through the waves on the way down.
Air boating and rafting are enjoyed by several people aboard an inflatable boat steered by paddles. The activities are impressive, but safe thanks to the supervision of poolside instructors.
5. Terra Aventura Geocaching tour of Pau
This new-generation treasure hunt is a hit with young and old alike. Terra Aventura is a geocaching activity in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, whose routes combine outdoor exploration with the discovery of heritage treasures.
The playful world includes little characters: the Poï'z, who invite you into their adventures. To access the different itineraries, you'll need to download the free application onto your mobile.
You can then access over 600 routes in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, with different locations, durations and levels of difficulty. Select the "Pau, c'est royal" itinerary, then embark on your adventure by following the indicated route and stages. GPS coordinates mean you'll never get lost.
Along the way, you'll have to solve riddles and find QR codes to access the treasure. If you prefer an activity without a smartphone, simply print out the roadmap for the route you've selected, or go to the Tourist Office to pick it up.
Photo: Flickr