Heritage towns, gentle walks and spa traditions

Pau, Béarn and the Landes

From Pau to the historic towns of Béarn and the thermal landscapes of the Landes, this itinerary offers a smooth and varied journey through south-west France. Easy to follow and well balanced, it combines UNESCO heritage, charming villages, local craftsmanship and moments of well-being. Designed for families, couples and solo travellers alike, the route favours short distances, walkable centres and welcoming places where it is easy to slow down and feel at ease.

Table of contents

You’ll love it

A smooth and accessible itinerary :
Short distances, walkable towns and a balanced rhythm.

UNESCO and living heritage :
Pilgrimage routes, fortified villages and historic towns.

Water in all its forms :
Rivers, salt springs and thermal traditions shaping the landscape.

Day 1 – A gentle introduction to Béarn

Pau, city of views and elegance

This first day sets a gentle rhythm, combining open panoramas, green spaces and the elegant atmosphere of Pau.

Between panoramas and city life

Discovering Pau at an easy pace

Morning : Arrival in Pau, easily accessible by train. The funicular railway links the station to the upper town in just a few minutes, offering a simple and accessible way to reach the historic centre.
Walk along the Boulevard des Pyrénées, a wide, flat promenade lined with benches and palm trees. The view opens onto the Pyrenean range, with changing light and distant peaks setting a calm tone for the day.
Visit the Château de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV, where spacious rooms, stone floors and clear signage make the visit comfortable for all visitors.

Afternoon : Stroll through Beaumont Park, a green and shaded space ideal for families and travellers seeking a quiet pause. Continue toward the Hédas district, a former working-class area shaped by narrow streets, stairways and small bridges, offering a more intimate atmosphere before returning to the city centre.

Pau Tourism
Château de Pau
Hôtel-Parc-Beaumont, Pau

Your accomodation

HOtel Parc Beaumont*****

Overlooking the park and close to the city centre, this contemporary hotel offers a calm and comfortable setting, with spacious rooms and easy access to Pau’s main sights.

Hotel-Parc-Beaumont

Day 2 – A historic town on the Routes of Santiago

Oloron-Sainte-Marie, living heritage

A day shaped by history and craftsmanship, where stone, rivers and local know-how tell the story of Béarn.

Stones, craftsmanship and quiet streets

Exploring one of Béarn’s oldest towns

Morning : Drive to Oloron-Sainte-Marie (around 45 minutes). Visit the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. The Romanesque portal, the play of light inside and the peaceful atmosphere invite a slow and respectful visit.
Continue through the Sainte-Croix medieval district, climbing gently toward the Tour de Grède, which offers views over rooftops and rivers.

Afternoon : Visit Villa Bourdeu, then head to Lartigue 1910 in Bidos, a historic weaving workshop where traditional textiles are still produced. The visit highlights local know-how and materials, with clear explanations accessible to all visitors.

Oloron-Sainte-Marie
Lartigues 1910
Alysson-hotel, Oloron Sainte Marie

Your accomodation

ALysson Hôtel****

Located in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Hotel Alysson offers a comfortable and contemporary setting at the gateway to the valleys. With its spa area and relaxed atmosphere, it provides a pleasant place to unwind together after a day exploring heritage sites and mountain landscapes.

Alysson Hôtel

Day 3 – Walking through history

Navarrenx, a fortified village on the pilgrimage route

Walking through Navarrenx feels like stepping back in time, along ramparts, quiet streets and river landscapes.

A village shaped by defence and faith

Ramparts and river landscapes

Morning : Short drive to Navarrenx, listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The village is entirely walkable, with flat paths along its fortifications, classified as historical monuments.
A stroll along the ramparts reveals views over the gave river and surrounding countryside, while the streets inside the walls retain a quiet, rural atmosphere.

Afternoon : Free time to explore the village at your own pace, enjoy a café on the main square or follow a section of the Way of St James, which passes through Navarrenx. The rhythm remains flexible, suitable for all traveller profiles.

Bearn Tourism

©Hikers on Camino de Santiago / JJ Gelbart /ADT64

DID YOU KNOW?

Four routes, one destination

Long before modern tourism, pilgrims crossed Nouvelle-Aquitaine following four ancient routes to Santiago de Compostela. From Vézelay, Le Puy, Arles, and Paris-Tours, these paths converge at the Spanish border, weaving through medieval villages and Romanesque churches. Whether you walk for a day or a month, you’re stepping into a living tradition over a thousand years old.

Camino de Santiago

Day 4 – Medieval towns and thermal traditions

Sauveterre-de-Béarn & Salies-de-Béarn

This day follows the path of water, from medieval bridges to salt springs and thermal traditions.

A day shaped by water

From stone bridges to salt springs

Morning : Departure for Sauveterre-de-Béarn, a “Petite Cité de Caractère” (Small Town of Character label). Walk through the medieval streets, discover the defensive ramparts, the Tour Monréal and the church, all connected to the town’s role on the pilgrimage routes.
The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Afternoon : Continue to Salies-de-Béarn, known for its natural salt spring. Visit the Salt Museum (Pôle muséographique des Salines) to understand how salt shaped the town’s history.
A walk through the old quarter around the salt source leads naturally to the thermal district, where visitors can enjoy a moment of rest or optional spa treatments.

Salies-de-Bearn Tourism
Hotel du Parc, Salies-de-Bearn

Your accomodation

Hôtel du Parc***

Located close to the thermal area, this hotel offers a quiet and comfortable setting, ideal for a restful evening.

Hotel du Parc

Spa town and artistic heritage

The Landes: Dax & Mont-de-Marsan

The journey ends in the Landes, blending spa heritage, riverside walks and artistic discoveries at an easy pace.

A change of landscape

Ending the journey in the Landes

Morning : Drive toward the Landes region to Dax, a historic spa town. Walk along the Adour River, then visit the Musée de Borda, which presents local history and archaeology in a clear and accessible way.

Afternoon : Continue to Mont-de-Marsan. Discover the Landes arenas, stroll through the town centre and visit the Despiau-Wlérick Sculpture Museum, dedicated to figurative sculpture. Artisan shops and quiet streets provide a gentle end to the journey.

Dax Tourism
Mont-de-Marsan Tourism
Chambre, Hôtel Le Splendid, Dax / CDT40

Your accomodation

Hotel & Spa Le Splendid****

An Art Deco landmark overlooking the river, offering a refined and comfortable setting for a final night focused on heritage and well-being.

Hotel & Spa Le Splendid

Good to know

Our tips for enjoying your stay

  • Plan short driving distances: Most stages are less than one hour apart, making it easy to enjoy each place without rushing.
  • Travel light and walk often: Historic centres such as Pau, Oloron-Sainte-Marie or Navarrenx are compact and best explored on foot, at a relaxed pace.
  • Adapt visits to the time of day: Mornings are ideal for heritage visits, while afternoons lend themselves well to parks, riverside walks or spa breaks.
  • Take time for local encounters: Markets, artisan workshops and small cafés offer simple opportunities to connect with local life and traditions.

Low-Carbon Accessibility

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Here are some practical answers to the most common questions, to help you plan your stay with ease and confidence.

From May to October for pleasant temperatures and longer days. Spring and early autumn are often quieter, which works well for town walks, heritage sites and thermal breaks.

A car is recommended to link the different towns (Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Navarrenx, Sauveterre-de-Béarn, Salies-de-Béarn, Dax, Mont-de-Marsan). Once you arrive, most centres are compact and walkable.

Yes. The programme alternates short visits, strolls and flexible free time. Families can adjust the pace easily, and solo travellers will find lively town centres, museums and easy-to-navigate walking routes.

Many highlights are accessible or partially accessible: Boulevard des Pyrénées and Beaumont Park in Pau are generally easy and flat, and town centres are often manageable. For specific needs (wheelchair access, lifts, adapted rooms), it’s best to check each museum and accommodation directly before booking

In peak season, it’s a good idea to book accommodation and—if you plan on treatments: thermal or spa services in Salies-de-Béarn or Dax. For artisan visits, booking ahead can also help ensure availability.

Rates

indicative budget

(Based on 2 people)

From €900 to €1,150 for two people
The price includes
  • 4 nights in comfortable hotels (double room), combining city, heritage towns and spa destinations,
  • Breakfasts included depending on the accommodation,
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary, such as: visits to heritage sites and UNESCO-listed towns, museums and artisan workshops (textile weaving, local crafts), walks through historic centres, parks and fortified villages,
  • Car rental for connecting destinations across Béarn and the Landes (based on 4–5 days).
The price does not include
  • Transport to and from Pau (train or flight),
  • Lunches and dinners,
  • Optional thermal or spa treatments in Salies-de-Béarn or Dax,
  • Personal expenses and additional guided visits.

💡 The overall budget may vary depending on the season, hotel category and optional wellness experiences. Travelling in spring or early autumn often allows for a more relaxed atmosphere and attractive rates.

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For the undecided, the charm of the South-West France can be found throughout the region. Go explore our other destinations, from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the hidden villages of Deux-Sèvres, or enjoy surf sessions on the coast and hikes in the vast landscapes of Limousin. You will certainly find the stay that suits you.

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