What to do when it rains in Béarn

Béarn is renowned for its sports and outdoor recreation: cycling, hiking, water activities. But what to do when it rains ? You will see that Béarn does not lack tourist attractions, even in the rain . Its 1000 years of history , its architectural, furniture and religious heritage , its authentic culture and its gastronomy …, the region can be discovered in many facets. Between museums, restaurants, visits to tourist sites, initiations and workshops, there is a choice to keep busy during the rainy days, while exploring its territories and its beautiful villages . We take you for a rainy but lively getaway in Béarn .

Opening : © J. Borruel / Adobe Stock

Satisfy your curiosity in Béarn museums

Even if the weather is not good , you can still discover Béarn from the inside. We suggest you warm up your neurons, educate yourself and cultivate yourself. History, traditions, ancient crafts, art … There is plenty to do in Béarn. Here is our " Top 5 museums ":

To know the history of the region, thanks to the emblematic character of Henri IV : National Museum and domain of the castle of Pau .
To understand life in the Aspe valley : Ecomuseum of the Aspe valley .
To appreciate art, through the collection of a local and atypical personality : Bernadotte Museum .
To discover an original geological phenomenon in Béarn: Museographic center of Les Salines .
Our favorite, a gourmet and naughty museum : Francis Miot's Museum of Sweet Arts .

>>>>> If you want to do more, browse our full article on cultural visits and museums in Béarn .

The Parachute Museum of Pau

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Taste the local gastronomy in a restaurant

Racking your brains makes you hungry! We suggest you take a gourmet break in one of the many restaurants in Béarn.

There are so many local products to taste that you don't know where to start, here are our “ 5 must- try local dishes ”:

As a starter, a trout or a salmon from the gaves and traditionally smoked at Maison Barthouil ;
Or a foie gras from a farm producer ;
On the main course, a hen in a pot by Henri IV;
Or a garbure;
And to follow a good Béarn cheese: our article gives an overview of the delights of Béarn cheeses and gives you tasting advice .

>>>>> To choose the restaurant that suits you, consult our directory of good addresses .

The delicious cheeses of Béarn © PUNTOSTUDIOFOTO Lda / Adobe STock

Learn about oenology and visit the Béarn vineyards

Béarn also has a wine-growing region , with good wines to savor, in moderation. It is the perfect place to walk and learn when it rains:

The best known and oldest is that of Jurançon . The legend links him to Henri IV . It is a mellow, even syrupy white wine that can be enjoyed from aperitif to dessert.
Madiran is a famous red wine that is also associated with red meats and gourmet dishes from Bearn.
Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh is a traditionally sweet white wine, between Jurançon and Armagnac, it sublimates sweet and savory dishes or desserts.
Saint-Mont is a typically local wine, in white, rosé and red.

>>>>> Many areas will make you discover them, thanks to classic visits and tastings, or more original tourist activities. If you want to know more, our article guides you for your visits to vineyards, estates and cellars in Béarn .

The vineyards of Béarn, to explore and discover thanks to passionate producers!

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Go shopping in Pau

After the meal, we suggest you give yourself a small gift or bring back a souvenir of your vacation . For that, it is in Pau that you have to go. Our blogger takes you on an urban stroll through Pau .

Throughout it, you will find many traders, artisans , producers' shops , wine merchants and wine bars , and shopping centers. There is something for all tastes and all your desires!

Are you lacking inspiration? Here are our gift ideas to bring back on the occasion of your holidays in Béarn .

A handmade beret, borrowed from long years of traditions and know-how

Marvel at the underground caves

To penetrate the bowels of the earth , to admire the jewels of stones and minerals , to discover the traces of our past ... The Béarn mountains conceal treasures well hidden under our feet.

Near Lourdes and the charming fortified town of Lestelle-Betharram , are the Bétharram caves . You follow, on foot, by boat and by little train, the river that has shaped them for millennia.
Near Sainte-Engr Grâce, in Soule, it's a very immersive visit , which is offered to you in the Verna cave , the largest underground room in the world! You put yourself in the shoes of a speleologist for a sensational experience .

>>>>> Our blogger takes you to the depths of the earth and shares with you this unusual moment, in the cave of Verna .

We take out the umbrella to survey the most beautiful villages of Béarn

All these activities have surely already allowed you to explore its territories , to stroll in its magnificent villages , to admire its local crafts and to find good local products . To help you choose, here is our selection of five villages and their particularities:

A medieval town and a fortified castle: Morlanne ;
On the paths of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle: Sarrance;
A spa resort: Saliès-en-Béarn ;
A village in the heart of a magnificent natural space: Lescun and its circus;
To discover the Jurançon vineyard: Lac Order.

>>>>> The most beautiful villages of Béarn not to be missed, we take you for a photo tour in our article ...

The pretty village of Laruns, nestled in the mountains

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As a bonus: A special "child"

Indoors, it's not always easy to occupy our little ones, full of energy and totally insensitive to our weather problems ... These few ideas could be very useful if the rain persists :

In Morlaàs, near Pau, the Youpi Parc is a play area, trampolines and inflatable structures, reserved for children under 12, indoors and outdoors.
A meeting with animals is always very popular with children. We offer you two goat farms that open their doors to you to make you appreciate their know-how and their products. In Asson, near the village of Nay , the Ferme de la Hèche invites you to attend the milking of goats in the evening, a unique moment! In the Ossau valley, in Louvie-Juzon, the Frady farm introduces you to Pyrenean mohair .

Come and have fun with the children, sheltered from the rain