The Pyrénées-Atlantiques, located on the Spanish border, is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east by the Pyrenees. They form a land of contrasts with the Basque Country on one side and the Bearn on the other. The destination offers a diversity of landscapes and activities. The Pyrenean mountains are ideal for skiing in Gourette, Artouste or Pierre Saint-Martin, for thermal baths in Salies-de-Béarn, Cambo-les-Bains, Eaux-Bonnes and Eaux-Haudes, and for hiking. In Pau, the castle where Henri IV was born and the boulevard des Pyrénées, populated by palm trees, with its panoramic view of the mountains, are essential. The department has seven caves, Isturitz, Sare and Betharram being the most mentioned in the tourist guides. Typical villages such as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Ascain or Ainhoa have remained authentic. To get higher, the 1924 Rhune train takes you to the mythical peak of the Basque Country at 905 metres. The cities on the coast from Bayonne to the border form a chain where the majority of tourists are concentrated. Biarritz is the surfers' spot, Saint-Jean-de-Luz seduces by its charm, Hendaye is proud of its immense beach of fine sand. The gourmet specialities of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques are as varied as the region: Jurançon wines, madiran, irrouléguy, Basque cider, suckling lamb, black pork from Bigorre, Béarnais pudding, Bayonne ham and chocolate, sheep's cheese, Basque cake, Espelette chilli pepper, salt from Salies, trout, salmon, chipirons.
When to go to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques? Given the diversity of climates and landscapes of the Atlantic Pyrenees, the period is chosen according to the activities. When to go to the Pyrénées-Atlantique? Snow sliding lovers will prefer the months of January to March, those who like water sliding will come from May to September even if some surfers are present all year round. The best period is the high season for all types of tourism, but it rains in the Basque Country in summer, which can cool the temperature. If it rains, you can always take refuge in bars or tea rooms to drink hot chocolate. In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, there are many demonstrations. The most famous are the Bayonne festivals, which begin the first weekend of August and end the following Sunday, and the Espelette chilli pepper festival, which takes place at the end of October. Many races or marathons take place all year round, but the most spectacular in March is the Pyrenean Snow Triathlon where you have to run 19 kilometres, pedal 35 kilometres and ski touring 2.5 kilometres. Fishing is also a sport and in July the World Salmon Fishing Championship attracts many enthusiasts to Navarrenx. Pau is the only city in France with an urban layout and its shoelaces are famous in the world of motor racing. Even if some would like them to disappear, the big prizes still exist. Spotlight on Biarritz on July 14 and August 15 with pyrotechnic shows and a bodega village. At the end of June-early July in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, the jazz festival des Rives et des Notes often plays to a sold-out audience. At the end of July and beginning of August, Château de Laàs hosts the festival des Transhumances musicales (folk, rock, tales, etc.). Finally, the gourmands will all be on the first weekend of October in Laruns for the Cheese Fair
The weather in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques is divided in two. The ocean front is watered mainly in winter and dry in summer. The average temperature ranges from 5 to 22°C, with peaks up to 38°C in July and August and minimums slightly below 0. The mountainous area is close to a subalpine climate with winter snowfall. Temperatures are sometimes negative in winter, but can rise to 25°C or even higher in summer. Pau enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate
From 06/11/2020 to 06/30/2020 : The Cité de l'Huître has opened its doors, discover its entertainment program for the month of June: - 4 theme huts and a film on a giant ...
From 07/06/2020 to 08/31/2020 : From July 6 to August 31 To delight young and old, find in July and August the animations: - Funny Animals: workshop for the whole family on the ...
When to go to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques? Given the diversity of climates and landscapes of the Atlantic Pyrenees, th...
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The weather in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques is divided in two. The ocean front is watered mainly in winter and dry in s...
Read more about it
With 80 artists selected from 200 dossiers, Art in Bulk has filled up with shapes, colours and concepts for this Easter weekend. Sculptors, ceramists, painters, photographers, visual artists presented their works in the streets and ten exhibition spaces, with free access. Spectacular, the "battle" of the 11 graffiti artists in the Plaza del Bayaà, over the three days, gave birth to colourful cubes, free inspirations on the theme of women, ...
The white water stadium is an opportunity for a real bowl of fresh air at the water's edge, under the benevolent eye of our mountains. A rare panorama, the best equipment, and, 7 days a week, a multitude of activities in white water, calm water or nature (mountain biking, accro-branche, hiking) On 1 June, from 10 am to 6 pm, the leisure catalogue will be expanded for an exceptional day of discovery, with activities for all ages: ...
The Asson zoo, at the foot of the Pyrenees, just a stone's throw from Pau, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. As a birthday present, the park welcomes Radjha, its first white tiger. Other new features include a redesigned outback for kangaroos, an Asian grassland in early summer and, by the end of the year, new developments for three endangered gibbon species. The Asson zoo focuses on the preservation of rare species, with on-site births ...
A dynamic city is a city on the move! To put acts on these words, the craftsmen and shopkeepers of Pau propose this Saturday June 7th an invigorating afternoon in the city center and proposes you their Sporty date. On the program, demonstrations and free initiations, conducted by associations of amateurs and professionals. More info from the Office of Trade and Crafts, 05 59 40 82 11Place Clémenceau: Handball, American Football & Roller ...
