A Week in the French Basque & Béarn Region
From Pau's Royal Heritage to Lourdes' Sacred Sites
Trip Overview
This carefully curated week-long journey explores the stunning Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of southwestern France, centered around historic Pau and the spiritual heart of Lourdes. You'll discover medieval castles perched above mountain valleys, wander through France's most visited pilgrimage site, explore charming Basque villages, and experience the natural beauty of the Pyrenees foothills. The itinerary balances cultural immersion with outdoor adventures, from royal châteaux and basilicas to cascading waterfalls and adventure parks. With a moderate pace allowing time to savor regional cuisine and local traditions, this trip offers an authentic taste of French heritage beyond the typical tourist trail. Perfect for those seeking a blend of history, spirituality, nature, and gastronomy in one of France's most picturesque regions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Royal Beginnings in Pau
Where to Stay Tonight
Pau city center (Mid-range hotel near the château quarter)
Central location allows easy walking access to both castles and restaurants, perfect for settling in after arrival
Gateway to Lourdes
Where to Stay Tonight
Lourdes town center (Comfortable hotel near the Sanctuary)
Proximity to religious sites allows easy participation in evening and morning services
Spiritual Heart of Lourdes
Where to Stay Tonight
Lourdes town center (Same hotel as previous night)
Staying put allows deeper exploration without repacking
Natural Wonders of the Pyrenees
Where to Stay Tonight
Pau city center (Mid-range hotel in the historic quarter)
Return to Pau as a base for exploring nearby attractions over the next days
Family Adventure Day
Where to Stay Tonight
Pau city center (Same hotel as previous night)
Convenient base with familiar surroundings after an energetic day
Giants and Gardens
Where to Stay Tonight
Pau city center (Same hotel as previous nights)
Final night in familiar accommodation before departure
Leisurely Departure
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure day)
End of journey
Practical Information
Getting Around
A rental car is essential for this itinerary, providing flexibility to explore castles, mountain sites, and adventure parks across the region. Pau serves as an excellent base with easy access to Lourdes (45 minutes), mountain valleys, and rural attractions. The region has well-maintained roads with clear signage. Alternatively, trains connect Pau and Lourdes regularly, but reaching natural sites and adventure parks requires driving. Parking is generally available and affordable at attractions. Consider renting from Pau or Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées airport upon arrival.
Book Ahead
Book accommodation in Lourdes well ahead if visiting during major pilgrimage dates (especially August 15). Purchase theme park tickets online for discounts. Reserve rental car in advance for better rates. No reservations typically needed for museums and castles except during peak summer weekends.
Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes for castle visits, hiking boots for waterfall trails, athletic shoes for adventure parks, layers for variable mountain weather, rain jacket, sun protection, modest clothing for religious sites, reusable water bottle, camera, and small daypack
Total Budget
$775-1,020 for 7 days (excluding international flights and car rental)
Customize Your Trip
Budget Version
Stay in budget hotels or guesthouses throughout, prepare picnic lunches from markets rather than restaurant meals, skip the adventure parks and focus on free attractions like the Grotto and historic sites, use trains between Pau and Lourdes instead of renting a car, visit museums on free admission days, and dine at casual crêperies and cafeterias. This approach can reduce daily costs to $70-90 per day.
Luxury Upgrade
Stay at upscale spa hotels in Pau and boutique properties in Lourdes, arrange private guided tours of châteaux with historians, enjoy Michelin-starred dining experiences featuring regional cuisine and premium Jurançon wines, hire a private driver for comfortable transfers and sightseeing, book exclusive after-hours access to religious sites, add a helicopter tour over the Pyrenees, and include spa treatments at thermal facilities. Budget $250-350 per day.
Family-Friendly
Dedicate more time to Parc Saint-Paul and AirParc Périgord with full-day visits, choose family rooms in centrally located hotels, select restaurants with children's menus and outdoor seating, shorten museum visits focusing on highlights, add swimming time if hotels have pools, bring activity books for church visits, pack snacks for hiking, choose easier trails at Gourgue d'Asque, and allow flexibility for rest breaks and spontaneous ice cream stops.
Book Activities for Your Trip
Tours, tickets, and experiences in Saint Vincent