Swimming in Béarn, leisure parks and rivers

As soon as the first warm weather arrives, all we dream of is swimming and basking in the sun. Relaxation and tranquility are finally here! Béarn is a land of water, shaped by the Gave rivers : Gave de Pau, Gave d'Oloron, Gave d'Aspe, Gave d'Ossau, Gave de Gavernie…

Around all these bodies of water, a multitude of water activities are available to you, from the most calm to the most sporty… Put on your swimsuit, put on sunglasses, hat and flip-flops, don't forget to put on sunscreen, and let's go!

The Baudreix leisure area: Ô Kiri

Near Pau, just 15 minutes away, Lake Baudreix and the Ô Kiri water park offer all kinds of water sports : slides, water skiing, water jump, drop-in activities, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking… Plenty of activities for a successful holiday with family or friends! And since all that water makes you hungry, head afterwards to the lakeside restaurant to enjoy authentic flavors with a panoramic view of the lake.

The Orthez-Biron leisure park

A fine sandy beach, a children's playground, a walk around the lake… It's in the heart of Béarn, between Orthez, Biron, and Castétis, that you'll find the Orthez-Biron leisure park. Nestled in a 100-hectare park, the 40-hectare lake offers safe swimming and shaded walks … The perfect way to cool off on hot summer days!

Access to the park, lake, and playgrounds and sports areas is free. Fishing is permitted (subject to authorization). Food and drinks are available on site.

Lake Gabas in Eslourenties

Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées region lies Lake Gabas. This artificial lake offers a water sports center, a children 's playground, and excellent fishing spots with views of the Pyrenees. Two family-friendly walking trails, with several starting points, are accessible to hikers and cyclists. A short walk takes about 40 minutes, while a complete loop will take approximately 3 hours.

Lake Castet in Bielle

In the Pyrenean valleys, and more specifically in the Ossau Valley, lies a 20-hectare lake in the commune of Bielle. Lake Castet is magnificent. Numerous activities are available on site. Kayaks, rowboats, and bicycles are available for rent.

Towpath, shaded trails, wooden boardwalk … the surroundings are delightful, whether on foot, by bike, or even on horseback. The horses of Benou are available for a Pyrenean ride.

Aqua Béarn

Bumper boats, pedal boats, a lazy river – there's something for everyone in the family. Whether you prefer the lagoon or rafting, the choice is yours: thrills or relaxation. It all happens in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, at the Aqua Béarn water park. To continue your day, don't forget to pack a picnic. Shaded areas await you for a refreshing break, whether it's for lunch, a snack, or dinner.

A bit of sport in the Gaves…

Dreaming of an active holiday in Béarn? The mountain streams will bring you plenty of surprises and adventures! A torrent of emotions awaits you in the heart of unspoiled nature. Whether you're a thrill -seeker or a leisurely explorer, the rivers of Béarn are the perfect playground to push your limits.

The Gave de Pau and Oloron rivers: the kings of rafting and kayaking

Put on your wetsuit, adjust your helmet, and get ready to paddle ! The Gave de Pau and the Gave d'Oloron rivers offer thrilling rapids. Whether you choose team rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or even hydrospeeding (whitewater swimming) to become one with the current, you'll get your adrenaline pumping amidst spectacular scenery and wild gorges.

Canyoning in the tributaries: jumps, slides and rappelling

For extreme adventurers, the adventure sometimes leaves the main riverbed to plunge into its gorges and secret tributaries (particularly in the Ossau and Aspe valleys). Canyoning in Béarn promises breathtaking jumps into crystal-clear pools, slides down natural water slides carved into the rock, and rappels beneath refreshing waterfalls. An immersive and 100% adrenaline-fueled experience.

This refreshing walk in the heart of the Béarn-Pyrénées region has now come to an end. Our selection is far from exhaustive. Béarn is full of bodies of water, lakes, rivers … perfect for enjoying nature and its panoramic views of the Pyrenees.

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