The Pyrénées : fresh air and fresh water
The gaves are powerful Pyrenean rivers that lend themselves perfectly to the practice of white water sports. Depending on the season, the Gave is more or less vigorous : its spring it is in spate, in summers much quieter. Whatever you are looking for… set off for all sorts of excitement !The Béarn is crossed by both the Gave de Pau and the Gave d'Oloron. These two rivers cut through canyons, are conducive to water sports: rafting, canoraft, canoeing, hydro, stand-up paddle...
The Ossau Valley, its eponymous Gorge and its passionate professionals offer beautiful descents, in the boat of your choice.
Are you a sporty type?
For rafting on the Gave d'Oloron, try starting from Navarrenx. Guaranteed fun, especially in the spring, when snowmelt feeds the river. And now you can also try canyoning in the middle of winter: in the Ossau valley, canyoning with temperatures below zero, abseil down an ice bulge, in cascades of frozen water... extreme sports !
With your teenage children, you can try stand-up paddle and surf the gaves (avoiding the rocks, taking breaks to contemplate the eagles ...). Also try the hydrospeed , ideal for dealing with currents and eddies. There’s a lot of excitement to share !Are you more of a contemplative sort?
For a more leisurely journey on the water, and to enjoy the wooded banks and aquatic fauna of the gaves, opt for canoeing, with family or friends. Emotions tighten bonds and create memories. For a change of scenery, try the traditional Canadian canoe, from June to September, on Lake Bious Artigues , located at the foot of Pic du Midi d’Ossau. A breathtaking view.
There are also a large number of leisure centres that offer all sports, for example, at the Pau-Pyrénées white-water stadium. This sporting course, close to the city centre of Pau, is for all ages and all levels and is suitable for kayaking, rafting, swimming in white water or canoeing. The white waters of Béarn are also home to thousands of fish and the gaves are the realm of fishermen. With trails, picnic areas, restaurants, trips can take a whole day outdoors with family or friends.
