What to do in Béarn in autumn?

With its beautiful forests, its rivers and its mountain streams, its castles and its generous gastronomy, we can only recommend an autumn stay in Béarn. You will see that there are all kinds of activities that can be done there, in the rain or on a beautiful day in the fall. We have concocted a great program for you to visit Béarn in autumn.

Opening photo: The Pyrenees in autumn @ Loïc / Adobestock

1) Visit Pau, the capital of Béarn

Pau has been the capital of Béarn since the Middle Ages. The city has been classified as a "city of art and history", in particular for its beautiful medieval heritage. Start your visit with the Château de Pau, then continue through the medieval streets of the city center. They will lead you to the Tour de la Monnaie and the Fountain in Parliament Square. Finally you will end up with the bourgeois buildings of the Boulevard des Pyrénées.

2) Go back in time in the Bearn castles

The Châteaux du Béarn will make you discover all the periods of history, its famous characters and the great 100-year wars, of religion... You will meet there Gaston Fébus, the great builder of Béarn, the conqueror Charles Quint or Henri IV, King of Navarre and then of France…

3) Culture in the museums of Béarn

From the most classic, the Château de Pau, transformed into a national history museum, to the most unusual, such as the Museum of Sugar Arts Francis Miot, you will not fail to be surprised in the Museums of Béarn. These are ideal places to soak up the culture and traditions of Bearn.

4) Stroll through the most beautiful Béarn villages

The Bearn villages have retained their traditional character. They are mountain villages. Perched on the steep cliffs, some offer stunning views. Others are nestled at the bottom of the valley, on the banks of the gaves. These are old shepherd towns. They will allow you to appreciate the typical architecture of Béarn, with a very well preserved heritage.

5) Criss-cross the region, during a road-trip along the Gave de Pau

The Gave de Pau is a river that offers pleasant walks, whether on the water, on foot or by bike. But for a change, why not make it a road trip along the Gave de Pau. You will thus have the opportunity to visit beautiful villages, to taste local products, accompanied by good Béarn wines, in agricultural and wine-growing farms, and to take beautiful photos on the banks of the river. There are many entry and exit points, according to your desires.

6) Stroll through the forests of Béarn, in the colors of autumn

The shimmering colors in the forest canopy, the mushrooms on the ground, the calm and serenity of the forest after the summer season... how pleasant autumn walks are! Often, the days of the late season are very beautiful, without being too hot. Imagine the forests of the Bearn valleys, crossed by tumultuous mountain streams, swollen by the rains, with the backdrop of the landscapes of the Pyrenees.

7) Take a bike tour of Béarn

Whether you like to pedal on the quiet greenways, to do with the family, whether you prefer cycle routes, a little more sporty, or whether you feel able to face the mountain passes, in Béarn, you will find what you are looking for. there is something for all your desires and sporting levels.

8) Practice a white water sport

If you are looking to practice an unusual activity, surrounded by nature, why not try a white water sport. Once the tourist season is over, it's much calmer and nature takes over. These are sports that are practiced all year round, with a good combination. With the rains, there is more current and the water level is higher: thrills guaranteed!

9) Taste Béarnaise gastronomy

The gastronomy of Béarn is tasty, generous and authentic. Whether you are a salty or rather sweet palate. Whether you want traditional or unusual flavors. There is no doubt that in Béarn, fine gourmets and gourmets alike will enjoy themselves.

10) Accompany dishes from Béarn, with wines from Jurançon, Madiran and Vic-Bilh

To accompany the delights of Béarn, it is absolutely necessary that you taste the wines of the region. From the same region, they adapt perfectly to the rich and colorful cuisine of Béarn. In addition, by visiting the vineyards, you will learn more about wine-growing traditions, ancient crafts, and new viticulture practices.

Here is this Top 10 which ends, hoping that it made you want to explore the territories of Béarn!

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