Camping Le Val du Gave d'Aspe: Gateway to Gurmencon's Wonders

The highlight of this loop may be the ascent to Castet with its incredible belvedere but the next section is just as magical. It glides over the Pre-Pyrenean shaded hillsides in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

The route, located entirely in the city of Oloron Santa-Marie, begins at the edge of the Saint-Pée sports esplanade, nothing more natural for a city called "active and sports city". Then, you will arrive on the banks of the Vert, a beautiful tributary of the Gave d'Oloron, which you will discover from bridge to bridge, through the districts of Saint-Pée d'en Haut and Saint-Pée d'en Bas, where the site of Pont Noir deserves a contemplative or sports break (exercise parcours). Your bike's battery will be underused because the elevations are modest. Upon returning to the Bois de Haut, you will follow a long narrow path that is very playful, which is woven between the trees; Control your pace and fine-tune your bike's direction, front wheel control is essential.

What a ride! It covers all abilities and its level of demand is only rivalled by its variety of terrains, settings and landscapes. With its contour line like a heartbeat, there's no doubt that it will test out your muscles but it will also give you amazing biking memories!

This is a loop that keeps its cards close to its chest! The first section is fairly nice and smooth but the fun really starts at the top of the woods. A long section on a narrow path that winds between the trees requires a sense of balance. Ideal for all the family!

The idea behind endurance cycling is the partially pre-formed technical descent which is performed "by pedalling". It's a done deal in Bugangue: there are 4 great trails in the undergrowth that technical cyclists love: slopes, smooth rides and great bends!

Here you have a loop with no aim other than offering you something rare in this region, the flat land. Thanks to the wide channel formerly dug by the Gave d'Oloron, the route follows a quiet departmental road to Navarrenx. Only a westerly wind can hinder the rider and cause a sudden increase in heart rate. A visit to the old fortified city can justify by itself the choice of this route. Once you have found and crossed the Gave, the return takes place on the left bank along a road to avoid at rush hour. The latter could turn out to be monotonous if there was not a stop along the way at the Camp of Gurs. It is true that the theme of this internment place is not stimulating, but it will give you an intense feeling of freedom with each pedal stroke. The arrival in Oloron takes place through the quiet road of Moumour and ends this itinerary that you can enjoy on a late summer day.

In the time of Fébus, the illustrious Prince of the Pyrenees, the only bike available was equipped with four legs. Centuries have passed and the material has evolved. Many paths have been drawn on the sunny slopes and the horse has yielded, among other things, to two wheels. The 24 km run partly along the Auronce valley, where the “Blonde d’Aquitaine” occupies the large plots and where walking is always on the agenda. Even if the route does not have a great difficulty, it will not be all flat. A fun bath in "Aquabéarn" can complete this short circuit. However, it will still be necessary to save energy to be able to pass the slopes of the Bois de Goes and reach Oloron with ease. The entrance through the Notre Dame neighborhood to the north of the city, following in the footsteps of the pilgrims of Santiago, closes this modest circuit, which has the only defect of being too short.

Thirty kilometers in a circuit from Oloron and two elongated valleys to circulate between towns and meadows: it could be said that it is only a route made to take a breath of air. The link between Aramits and the secret valley of Littos is none other than the no less silent port of Bugalaran. A "small, but resistant" port, with severe percentages (10%) and steep ramps that will make you cross two or three zigzags. An ascent for fans of the final of the spring classics, more than for a Colombian climber who endures the great passes in summer. In the land of the Musketeers, it will take passion and panache to tackle these four kilometers, before embarking on a stimulating ride at the entrance of the Esquiule Valley.

In the time of Fébus, the illustrious Prince of the Pyrenees, the only saddle available was equipped with four legs and loaded with oats. Centuries have passed and the materials have evolved. However, the pleasure is still total to cross, from Oloron, the sunny slopes that offer an incomparable view of the Pyrenees chain. The 15-mile gallop ride on a two-wheeler is particularly harmonious. Crossing along the Auronce valley, where the “Blonde d’Aquitaine” (typical Béarnaise cow) occupies the vast plots where you can walk. The route is not difficult and can be an opportunity to combine a bike tour with a fun swim in "Aquabéarn". On the way back, once past the picturesque town of Estialescq, a stop at the honey house is essential before reaching Oloron. As you cross the city you pass in front of the Lindt chocolate shop... it could be the occasion for one last stop!

Between Oloron Sainte-Marie and Arudy, this Piedmont circuit visits a dozen villages at the gates of the Aspe Valley and the Ossau Valley. Through fertile fields and back roads, you can try a country bike ride with friends on a spring morning. Not so demanding as to require regular training. There are no stages serious enough to take your breath away and stop the talk. Just a healthy route at the foot of the Pyrenean mountains and under a thick beech forest. Because after the stone villages, the Buzy dolmen and the Arudy marble quarries, the circuit offers a beautiful chlorophyll parenthesis under the shade of the Bager forest. A curvy path weaves through the trees for miles, one of these paths that are much more pleasant to pedal than to drive, and which lead you back to the left bank of the Gave d'Aspe, at the gates of Oloron.

Log cabin village comprising 16 log cabins scattered in a park planted with trees and equipped with a swimming-pool, in a fenced and safe environment which is perfect for young children. Quiet and homelike atmosphere.

Water and games for the whole family ! Aqua Béarn invites you to discover its water park nestled in the heart of the Béarn countryside. With a surface of 5 hectares, its attractions will delight young and old. They are waiting for you : wave pool, river with buoys, slides and pentaglide, buffer boats, pedal boats, snack bar. Join us soon!

Near Oloron Sainte-Marie, at the end of a long road (sports cars and road bikes, contact us), we welcome you in an old 17th century farmhouse, enthroned in the middle of a preserved nature and overlooking the mountains of Béarn and the Basque Country. Renovated as a charming guest house, with traditional and ecological materials, it will plunge you into a retro and nostalgic atmosphere while offering you modern and quality comfort with a family suite (up to 6 people) and two spacious rooms. Areas for relaxation and well-being are at your disposal: swimming pool, hammam, gym, lounge, garden, massage on reservation..., as well as our suggestions for local discoveries. Local products and organic vegetables are on the menu of our generous and inspired table d'hôtes (some days of the week, on reservation).

Large gîte for 12 people on the outskirts of the village of Aramits, in the heart of the Barétous valley, in unspoilt natural surroundings, surrounded by meadows and mountains. It's the ideal place for a get-together with friends or family. Fully renovated detached house in a former farmhouse. First floor: living room with wood-burning stove, dining room with fireplace, kitchen opening onto terrace. Upstairs are 4 bedrooms with double beds and 3 single beds in the last one, plus 2 shower rooms. The house is spacious. Outside, take in the views of the surrounding peaks from the green space surrounding the gîte, or enjoy the table soccer and ping-pong table. The Pierre Saint-Martin ski resort and the Issarbe Nordic area are a 30-minute drive from the gîte.

At the entrance to the Ossau Valley, in the village of Buzy, Véronique's house faces the mountains, 5 kms from the shops in Arudy, 15 kms from Oloron Ste Marie, 25 kms from Pau, 50 kms from the Spanish border and Lourdes. In addition to the usual facilities, this spacious, recently-built house has a pellet stove and WiFi.

Independent house located in the middle of the village of Arette, maximum 6 persons Close to activities (Adventure Park, Paint Ball, hiking, fishing ...), 100 m from shops, 23 km from the ski resort of La Pierre St Martin and Issarbe, 26 km from the Spanish border. Living room with TV, equipped kitchen, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, etc... outside laundry room with washing machine, 3 bedrooms on the first floor : 1 bedroom with 1 bed in 140, 1 bedroom with 2 bunk beds and 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - private parking - Minimum rental 2 nights all year round except for school vacations in February, July, August, Christmas and New Year: minimum 7 nights - Note: sheets provided - options: towels and end of stay cleaning

In the heart of the village, on the doorstep of the Basque Country and Spain, the Hôtel de l'Ours offers 15 rooms equipped with televisions and double glazing. Breakfast is served on the garden side, in the form of a full buffet. In the summer, you are in close proximity with events held in the village, as well as being near the place of departure for walking and mountain bike tours. In the winter, you are halfway between La Pierre St-Martin and the lovely resort of Issarbe, for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The hotel is a partner of the French bicycle touring federation, the Fédération Française de Cyclotourisme (washing, air in tyres for bikes) and motorcyclists are welcome! Telephone. Private car park, garden, terrace and bar. Free Wi-Fi in the bar. Animals admitted. Non-smoking hotel. French Chèques vacances holiday vouchers accepted.

Ride gently through the corners of the Pierre Saint-Martin massif on an electric or classic mountain bike, perfect your riding on enduro routes, enjoy wild All Mountain escapes in the mountains and valleys of Bearn, the Basque Country and Spain.. From the quiet walker curious to discover the charms of our Pyrenees to the sportsman eager to express himself on an exceptional playground, Pascal, Mountain Bike and Ski Guide Instructor, will know how to find the formula that suits you. With twenty years of experience and exploration of the territory, he will be happy to put his teaching skills, his love of the mountains and his passion for his sport at your service.

"5-room detached house (180m²) on 2 floors. Close to adventure park, hiking tracks, fishing; 300m from shops, 17km from sky resort of ""La Pierre St Martin"" and 19km from Spanish border. Sitting/living room with TV and DVD, open plan kitchen, dishwasher, freezer; laundry room with washing machine. 1 room with double bed, shower room, WC. 1st floor : 1 room with double bed; 1 room with double bed + single bed; 1 room with 5 single beds, bathroom and WC. Baby equipment, garden, terrace with garden furniture and plancha griddle, swimming pool with deckchairs (june from octobre), private parking space."

GITE 2 : House adjoining another gite of type 5P, of 180m² on 2 levels. Near activities (Adventure Park, Paint Ball, hiking, fishing...), 300 m from shops, 23 km from the ski resort of La Pierre St Martin and 26 km from the Spanish border. Living room with TV + American kitchen + dishwasher + freezer, laundry room with washing machine, Ground floor: 1 bedroom with 2 beds in 90, shower room with WC, First floor: 2 bedrooms with 3 beds in 90 and 1 bedroom with 4 beds in 90, bathroom with WC. Baby equipment (cot), garden, terrace with garden furniture and plancha, swimming pool common to the 2 cottages, to share, with deckchairs, private parking.

At the foot of the Pyrenees, at the confluence of the Ossau, Aspe and Barétous valleys, 5 minutes from Oloron Sainte-Marie, 60 dairy cows of all breeds enjoy the green pastures of Gurmençon. Farm visits and direct sales of farmhouse cow's milk cheeses: Gourmançon and Henri IV's Crown, and their brothers: Petit Gourmançon and pouquets, plain and with peppers. Faisselle, fromage blanc and crème fraîche complete the raw-milk range. Farm churn butter made with organic raw milk. Organic since May 2019.

5 minutes from Oloron Sainte-Marie, Olivier's farm specializes in raising Gascon ewes and pigs. Store and farm visit. The ewes summer in the Vallée d'Aspe, and the cheeses are made in the traditional way (still pressed by needle). They are matured on the farm using the Béarnaise method. Our black pigs are raised in the open air under our chestnut and oak groves, and fed on whey and cereals produced directly on the farm. A warm welcome and a wide choice of farm products: cured meats, Gascon pork charcuterie, ewe's milk cheese, greuil, Pyrenean suckling lamb, ready-made meals and fresh meat for your grills.

The Church of the Holy Cross bears witness to the Crusades and the viscountal city that Oloron was. Built at the end of the 11th century, in the heart of the "bourg de l'enclos", it is one of the city's must-see monuments It has a remarkable ribbed eight-pointed star-shaped dome of Mozarabic inspiration and an altarpiece in the Spanish Baroque style.

In the Marque house, beautiful building of the XVIIth century, come to discover the richnesses of our area. Ground floor: presentation of the archeological discoveries made in Oloron Sainte-Marie and its surroundings, reconstitution of a traditional bearnes kitchen, medieval garden and its medicinal herbs. 1st floor: panelling room, collections of portraits (family of notables of Oloron), textile industry room (presentation of the local handicraft, espadrilles, wool work), temporary exhibition room. 2nd floor: exhibition about the Gurs camp

The Cities of Art of History are area which are particularly focused on the promotion and development of their heritage and architecture, member of a national network led by the Ministry for Culture and Communication. Each labelled town offers exploration activities: Guided tours, exhibitions, educational services…. As well as the city’s built heritage, there is also the natural, industrial and maritime heritage, and residents’ memories. In the Atlantic-Pyrenees, Haut-Béarn offers infinite possibilities to highlight the heritage through Piémont Oloronais and the three Béarn valleys, Aspe, Ossau and Barétous. Many visits are organised for children and for adults with a guide. Worth another look, in detail: Oloron-Sainte-Marie, La Pierre-Saint-Martin, Laruns, Artouste-Fabrèges, Eaux-Bonnes, Gourette and Arudy

This tower of the XIIIth century, listed by the Historic Monuments, is located in the heart of the old medieval city of Sainte-Croix. Access to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking Oloron and the surrounding valleys.

The cathedral, listed by the Unesco as World Heritage, is the highlight of the episcopal see. Its romanesque doorway was made by two sculptors in the XIIth century. The nave, the ambulatory and the choir are gothic (XIVth and XVth centuries). Exceptional exhibition in the Treasure. Pedestrian walk from the car park "Monseigneur Saurine", thematic gardens, exhibition in the passage "Monseigneur Saurine" which leads to the cathedral square.

Come to take the train of " The Company of Haut-Bearn " in our station, style 1900 for a surprising stationary journey! In our carriages, you will discover the highlights of Oloron-Sainte-Marie, the surrounding villages and the magnificent landscapes of our Pyrenean valleys. For your visits, pictures in the Tourist Office will indicate you distances and time to go to the sites of your choice. The children will be delighted to discover the playful space which is reserved for them.

Southwest of Pau and 50 km from Spain, Oloron Sainte-Marie is a town in Haut-Béarn at the foot of the Pyrenees. Surrounded by hills, the town spreads out on the terraces of the alluvial plain of the Gave d'Ossau: Sainte-Marie district on the plateau, Sainte-Croix on the hill and Notre-Dame or Marcadet on the slopes of the right bank of the Gave. An organization to be admired from the Laclau bridge, one of the viewpoints over the city. The rich heritage of Oloron Sainte-Marie, including the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, and 2000 years of history (the masting path, the Basque beret and linen industry, the gastronomy of Béarn, ...) have earned it its classification as a City of Art and History. Visits to the Cathedral Treasury, the Tour de Grède or the Maison du Patrimoine are enriched by a stroll along the Bellevue promenade with its open view of the Pyrenees.

In the heart of the Sainte-Croix quarter, Isabelle and Pascal will welcome you in a warm atmosphere. You could taste pancakes, crepes made in the Breton tradition and also omelettes, salads and ice-creams.

Bar brasserie. At Robert's.

Country products ; traditional dishes, "garbure", "minjaplasé", blood sausage and apples, home-made foie gras with piquillos, Bearnese cooked meats, the Oloron brochette, regional wines, home-made pastry, Basque cake with cherry and cream, orange and chocolate pie, nuts and chocolate pie, etc.

Specialities: garbure, rib steak with Jurançon, sweetbread with ceps, axoa, Basque piperade , Blonde d'Aquitaine, chocolate fondant, palombière, ceps with chocolate. Basque specialities in general. Sea-fish and rivers subject to availability in the week-end. Saint-Grat Barbecue [Homemade speciality].

Specialities: garbure, duck breast with onion jam, salmon browned with ewe cheese...

Café Jules is the new address to try out in Oloron Sainte-Marie's semi-pedestrian street. Whether you come for a delicious freshly-ground coffee, a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch or a gourmet snack, our varied menu will satisfy all your culinary desires. We make a point of using fresh, quality produce to offer you an incomparable taste experience. Plus, the view of the river gave from the gallery.

Specialities: brasserie during the week, restaurant "a la carte" during the week-end. Fish arrival each Friday.

Log cabin village comprising 16 log cabins scattered in a park planted with trees and equipped with a swimming-pool, in a fenced and safe environment which is perfect for young children. Quiet and homelike atmosphere.

It is a few minutes from Oloron Sainte-Marie and in the direction of the Aspe valley that this large house surrounded by animals is located. Its location allows you to enjoy many activities in all seasons, 1h30 from the ocean, 1h from the ski resorts, a few meters from the Gave d'Aspe for fishing enthusiasts, not far from the mythical passes used by the Tour de France and in a region rich in history, gastronomy and hiking. The gîte, which can accommodate up to 6 people, is fitted out with a large living room, a dining room, a very well equipped independent kitchen and a shower room on the first floor. On the first floor there are three bedrooms, two with double beds and two single beds in the last one. They offer a view on the green nature. A bathroom is also located on this level. It is the ideal place for a relaxing vacation.

3 km south of Oloron Sainte-Marie, you will stay in the village of Gurmençon in the barns of Aspe facing the Pyrenees mountain range. For a stay with family or friends, two independent houses restored in the Béarnais style with swimming pool, garden with trees and terrace. Alain is waiting for you to guide you in the discovery of the region, particularly through hiking and local producers just a stone's throw away from your rental.

3 km south of Oloron Sainte-Marie, you will stay in the village of Gurmençon in the barns of Aspe facing the Pyrenees mountain range. For a stay with family or friends, two independent houses restored in the Béarnais style with swimming pool, garden with trees and terrace. Alain is waiting for you to guide you in the discovery of the region, particularly through hiking and local producers just a stone's throw away from your rental.

The Gîte du centre nautique is open all year round. 45km away from the ski resorts, this gîte accommodates 30 persons, whether as groups or individually (4 bedrooms sleeping 6 to 8/10 persons). Note: accommodation does not include any nautical activity. There are several catering options: - self-catering: a fitted kitchen is at your disposal - full board: our team will prepare your meals - half board: The gîte includes bedrooms sleeping 2 and 6 persons. Trainees will take part in community tasks. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Set up on the groundfloor of the owner's house, this nice flat located in a residential area is entirely renovated and freshened up. Fitted kitchen (microwave oven, washing-machine, coffee maker, television, fridge freezer...); bedroom with a double bed; study; bathroom (shower, toilet, bidet). Outside, you can enjoy and have lunch in the garden. There is a private and covered area, sheltered from the sun, just for you. Many storage spaces (wardrobe, cupboard), covered clothes drying area. Free Internet/WiFi access. An excellent value for money!

Ideally located at the entrance of the valleys of Aspe, Barétous and Ossau, but also close to Oloron Sainte-Marie at 2 min, Pau at 30 min, the Basque coast or Spain at 60 min, we offer you a single bed and breakfast for 1 to 2 persons on the ground floor with a view on the garden, the swimming pool and the Pyrenees. You will benefit from a bedding in 160 x 200 and private sanitary facilities. Breakfast with home-made products. Authenticity, conviviality and calm are our mottos. We will be happy to advise you on hiking tours and surrounding visits: Sainte-Marie Cathedral (UNESCO listed), Lartigue 1910 Basque linen workshop, Salaisons Loge, Lindt factory shop, producers' cheeses, Soeix nautical base (canoeing, kayaking, rafting), fishing, paragliding in Bedous ..

Traditional country house, classified Meublé de Tourisme 3*, entirely restored, located in the quiet village of Eysus, 5 minutes from Oloron Sainte-Marie. The position at the crossroads of the three Bearn valleys: Aspe, Baretous and Ossau, will allow you to indulge in many outdoor activities: hiking, biking, rafting, fishing ... in the heart of a preserved nature and to visit the emblematic tourist sites of Bearn and the neighboring Basque Country The space of the house, both inside (200 m²) and outside (enclosed land of 2000 m²) will allow you to spend ideal holidays, with family or friends up to 8 people.

The Moulin d'Eysus is a majestic Bearnese residence located in a green setting among running whitewaters, that offers two charming bedrooms.