On vacation in the Pyrenees? Find out where to go rafting in Pau, for a thrilling experience on the waters of the Bearn region!
In the heart of the Pyrenees, Pau is a great place to live. Once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by mountains, the city has preserved a fine historical heritage while maintaining perfect harmony with its modernism.
Discover Pau castle, the old town, Parc Baumont, Boulevard des Pyrénées, not forgetting the region’s gastronomy and wines. If you prefer nature, Béarn is a real playground. For thrill-seekers, we recommend you try out the best rafting spots in Pau. Generation Voyage has prepared a list for you. Follow the guide!
1. Gave d’Oloron
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kevin Eaves
Level: beginner to intermediate
Duration: 2 hours to one day
Distance: 7 to 23 kilometers
Course
The Gave d’Oloron is one of the best places for rafting in Pau. There are several routes to choose from, depending on your level and availability:
- Baptism: for beginners, this seven-kilometre course introduces you to rafting and its obstacles. A few moments of relaxation await you between invigorating rapids;
- Half-day: for a morning or afternoon, take the rapids in this colorful gave. Enjoy a good laugh between a few scares with your friends and/or family;
- Adventure: for the more experienced, head for Navarrenx on the Gave d’Oloron. With numerous rapids awaiting you, thrills are guaranteed.
Practical information
You meet directly at the center. Afterwards, you’ll take a bus with the instructor and your entourage to the Gave d’Oléron. Here are a few things you should know before setting off on a rafting trip in Pau:
- We strongly recommend that you know how to swim before embarking on such an adventure;
- Good physical condition is preferable to be able to tackle the rapids;
- The centers are open between March and October;
- Full rafting equipment is provided, including a neoprene wetsuit, helmet and lifejacket;
- You’ll need to bring your own swimsuit , sneakers, towel and a change of clothes.
2. Le Gave de Pau
Photo credit: Shutterstock – PHILIPIMAGE
Level: beginner
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 13 kilometers
Course
Take on the rapids of the Gave de Pau in your submersible inflatable boat. With room for up to eight people and an instructor, rafting promises an exceptional day out with your loved ones. Situated between Lourdes and Lestelle Bétharram, the Gave de Pau is the perfect place to discover the flip flap wave and the cave bridge.
These places are particularly famous, as they regularly host international rafting competitions.
Practical information
Bad weather or rain are not sufficient excuses to cancel a rafting session in Pau. The instructors who accompany you ensure your safety in the face of Mother Nature. Rest assured! Beforehand, they check that the spot is suitable for rafting, so that everything runs smoothly.
However, if weather conditions are really unfavorable, the rafting session will be postponed. Apart from the weather, here are a few conditions for rafting in Pau:
- Between 7 and 83 years of age;
- Be able to swim and immerse (you don’t have to be a strong swimmer, but at least be able to move around in the water);
- Do not be pregnant or have a heart condition.
3. The Gave d’Ossau
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Hans Geel
Level: intermediate to experienced
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: between 9 and 22 kilometers
Course
Your guide awaits you for a rafting session in Pau. The Gave d’Ossau is probably one of the region’s sportiest spots. The route stretches from Herrère to Oloron-Saint-Marie, where you’ll discover the rapids of the Bager.
If you and your group are thrill-seekers, it’s possible to add extra options to get the adrenalin pumping: cross bridges and impressive dams… but don’t get squeamish! If you’re going for the whole day, a picnic lunch is provided to replenish your strength before moving on to other rapids.
Practical information
The Herrère to Oloron-Saint-Marie route is only available from April to the end of June. This is the most exciting time of the year, as the ice melts. Here are the conditions for rafting in Pau:
- Over 7 years old;
- Know how to swim.
4. Aquasport park
Photo credit: Facebook – Stade d’eaux vives Pau-Pyrénées
Level: beginner
Duration: as you wish
Distance: 5,000 m²
Course
If you’ve never rafted before, it might be better to start in a more supervised environment than in the open river. The Pau-Pyrénées whitewater stadium is the perfect place to start. Here, you’re at the foot of the mountains in an exceptional setting.
An artificial river awaits you to discover this activity. The park is equipped to the highest professional standards. With its 5,000 m² of water, the stadium includes several different courses: a finishing pool, a beginners’ pool and a whitewater course with adjustable flow.
In addition to rafting, the park also offers many other activities, including kayaking, hydrospeed and surfing.
Practical information
The park is open all year round. So it’s the ideal plan if you want to go rafting in Pau when other companies are closed. The staff are trilingual and speak French, English and Spanish.
Now that you have all this information, all you have to do is paddle!