Béarn-Pyrénées in summer, an unforgettable vacation in the heart of nature

Here's a season you'll love experiencing in the magnificent Béarn-Pyrénées region : summer! Between sublime landscapes to admire, valleys, lakes and rivers that bring freshness throughout the day and the many activities available for sports enthusiasts and those who love to relax, we promise you an unforgettable summer vacation in Béarn-Pyrénées.

The Artouste train, a getaway to the heart of nature

You'll love climbing aboard this little train that takes you up to 2,000 meters above sea level, the highest train in Europe, offering you an incredible spectacle with sublime views of a panorama of nature and mountains. After a 15-minute cable car ride, enjoy a 55-minute crossing followed by 1.5 hours of free time to discover Lake Artouste, a 20-minute walk from the station.

The Caves of Bétharram, an exceptional underground journey

Dive into the bowels of the Earth throughout the summer to discover the magnificent concretions and the unique decor of a cave open to the public since 1903. Splendid and in several stages, the 1 hour 20 minute guided tour reveals the secrets of the depths through exploration of the upper part followed by a boat ride along the underground river, then a tour on a little train over the last 700 meters of the Caves.

Hiking, unique escape options in Béarn-Pyrénées

The landscapes are rich and varied in this region of southern France, between the GR10 routes, the Way of St. James, the valleys and the mountain lakes which allow you to cool off in summer. Whether for a day trip or a trip lasting several days, the Béarn-Pyrénées is the dream destination. Ossau Valley, Lake Orteig, Lake Fabrèges, Aspe Valley or even Barétous Valley, each step is a wonder in the face of the beauty of nature which is revealed before your eyes. Cyclists are not left out with numerous passes to climb, ideal for warming up the calves.

Nature sites, discovering wildlife in summer in Béarn-Pyrénées

Open your eyes wide to admire the captivating animals presented in the heart of natural sites in Béarn-Pyrénées.

• The Parc'Ours in Borce is a magnificent animal refuge where you can see bears, marmots, chamois, fallow deer, mouflons, ibex and even red deer, but also rabbits, donkeys, guinea pigs and ferrets, sometimes injured animals that need help, or endangered species.
• Asson Zoo is divided into several areas to discover the beauty of more than 500 animals in a privileged setting, the zoo having been committed to the conservation of endangered species for more than 20 years.
• The Pyrenees Animal Park is an incredible place to observe nearly 500 animals spread over 14 hectares. Located in Ayzac-Ost, it is one of the largest semi-wild animal parks in Europe, working every day to preserve and protect endangered species.

Salies-de-Béarn salt, the region's white gold

This naturally pure spring salt found in the Pyrenees is a true treasure to discover and taste. Take advantage of the summer to visit the saltworks and meet passionate producers who harvest the salt of Salies-de-Béarn in an authentic and traditional way, with old-fashioned know-how. Using a salt pan, they let the water evaporate under the sun's rays to obtain a pure salt with an incomparable taste.

Photo credit: Étienne Follet

canyoning in Béarn-Pyrénées, a real pleasure in summer

Experience a true aquatic hike in the heart of the region's wild and varied landscapes, an unforgettable adventure punctuated by jumps into crystal-clear pools, rappelling along waterfalls, sliding down natural waters, and swimming in turquoise waters. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll love diving into a canyon in Béarn-Pyrénées! 

 Our favorite spots in the Ossau Valley: 

•  Canyon Experience 
• Ossau de l'Eau Canyoning

Fishing, a sport that combines relaxation and dexterity

With over 300k of rivers, lakes and streams, fishing is at the top of the list of favorite activities for locals and holidaymakers alike. Peaceful and calm, nature is most welcoming for amateur and experienced anglers, often offering you a shady spot to protect yourself from the sun while the fish decides to bite. Brown trout, eel, carp, pikeperch or roach, watch your hook !

Summer festivals in Béarn-Pyrénées, events not to be missed

You'll love the festive atmosphere of the region, energized all season long by local festivals (hésta in Béarnais)! From gourmet markets to open-air concerts, Béarn-Pyrénées has some great surprises in store for you to enjoy all summer long. Come and meet the locals to appreciate their joie de vivre and good humor, and discover the local riches between gastronomy and crafts. Here are some unmissable festivals:

• The Estives festival in Issarbe
• Hestiv'Oc in Pau
• The Salies Painting Festival in Salies-de-Béarn

Transhumance, a tradition that marks the beginning of summer in Béarn-Pyrénées

Every year, the shepherds and their flocks begin a long trek to reach the mountains in the Aspe Valley, where they will stay until the end of September. This period allows the animals to feed on the high-altitude pastures, rich and generous grass that produces the creamiest milk. The cheese produced by transhumance is identified by a summer pasture mark, and releases a very special taste of nature and freedom. Experience an adventure rich in emotions alongside passionate shepherds!

The villages of Béarn, charming visits to make in summer

The region is so beautiful with its mountains, vast green spaces, lakes, and magnificent valleys! What if you strayed slightly from the beaten track to discover the charming villages of Béarn ? Between Accous and Borce in the heart of the Aspe Valley, Lacommande in the Jurançon vineyards, or Laruns in the Ossau Valley, there are more than a few gems to explore in Béarn-Pyrénées!

Béarn-Pyrénées in summer , a destination you will love!

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