Cycling in Pau: in the wake of the giants
Pau shares a deep-rooted love affair with the Tour de France. As the third most visited city by the Tour, it is the perfect base from which to tackle the legendary mountain passes.
- The Tour des Géants: Don’t miss this open-air museum in the heart of Beaumont Park. It pays tribute to the Tour’s winners with interactive totems.
- Legendary mountain passes: Just a short cycle away, the Soulor, the Aubisque and the Marie-Blanque will put your calves to the test.
- Leisure cycling: For a more leisurely approach, the banks of the Gave offer well-maintained cycle paths, ideal for a family outing whilst admiring the Pyrenees mountain range.
The white-water stadium: adrenaline in the heart of Pau
Did you know that Pau is home to one of the finest white-water stadiums in Europe? This is where the greatest canoeing and kayaking champions train. But don’t worry, the site is open to all sports enthusiasts.
- Rafting and hydrospeed: For a refreshing thrill, give it a go on the artificial course.
- Canoeing and kayaking: Test your balance on a modular course suitable for all ability levels.
- The setting: The site also has a restaurant overlooking the rapids, ideal for recovering after your exertions.
Hiking and trail running: the Pyrenees on the horizon
In Pau, the mountains do more than just adorn the horizon: they beckon you. In less than an hour, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind for the tranquillity of the peaks.
- The Pic du Midi d’Ossau: A true icon of the Béarn region, it offers unforgettable hiking routes.
- Trail running: The hillsides of Jurançon, right on the city’s doorstep, offer technical trails with the perfect elevation gain for trail running training, all set amongst the vineyards.
- Winter: The proximity of resorts such as Gourette and Artouste means you can swap your walking boots for skis or snowshoes in no time at all.
A land of clubs and passion
Pau also has the soul of a supporter. For sports fans who love to get caught up in the excitement of a team performance, the city is spoilt for choice.
Rugby is a way of life here, with Section Paloise bringing the Stade du Hameau to life in the Top 14. Basketball is no less exciting, thanks to Élan Béarnais, a historic club with an impressive track record. Attending a match in Pau means experiencing genuine, warm-hearted passion.
Golf: a historic record
For golf enthusiasts, Pau is home to the Pau Golf Club 1856. It is quite simply the oldest golf club in continental Europe. Playing on this course means following in the footsteps of the Scottish pioneers who brought the sport to the continent. A flat, technical course steeped in history.
Practical information for your stay in Pau
- When to go? Spring and autumn are ideal for cycling and hiking. Summer is perfect for water sports.
- How to get there? Book your direct flight with Chalair to reach Pau quickly, with all your sports kit in tow.
- Where to stay? Choose the city centre to enjoy the Boulevard des Pyrénées in the evening, or the area around Billère to be as close as possible to the sports facilities.
Pau is one of the few destinations capable of offering such a wide variety of activities within such a small area. It’s the ultimate ‘base camp’ city. Don’t forget that at Chalair, we make it easy to transport your sports equipment.
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