If you're travelling to Pau, the Béarn region has plenty to surprise you. Between discovering exceptional places and thrilling activities, discover our top 7 of the best things to do around Pau.

Going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes

Ideally, plan a day to discover this place steeped in history and culture. You'll start by strolling through the town's pretty historic centre, overlooked by Lourdes Castle, a listed historic monument. You can visit this 1,000-year-old defensive building and discover the Pyrenean Museum, which has been awarded the Musée de France label. It's the ideal place to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the town, surrounded by the majestic Pyrenees mountains.

For a more spiritual experience, head for the grotto at Lourdes, the very spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Bernadette. For a complete immersion experience, you can join in the 10am mass or the Rosary at 3.30pm. The best way to leave the grotto is to collect some water from the fountain, and then follow in Bernadette's footsteps as you wind your way through the important places in her life.

The depths of the Caves of Betharram

On the border between the Pyrénées Atlantiques and the Hautes-Pyrénées, the Bétharram caves are often cited as being the most beautiful in Europe. What sets them apart from traditional caves is the originality of their visit.

You'll start the tour on foot, then continue by boat and finally finish it on the little train. Inside, the cave is made up of 3 levels of galleries spread over almost 3 km.

It was one of the first caves to be opened to the general public, welcoming visitors as far back as 1880. Today, the cave is even accessible to people with reduced mobility, with a ramp replacing the original steps.

Relax in the thermal waters of Salies-de-Béarn

Recharge your batteries with a moment of well-being in these 150-year-old thermal baths. Its mineral content is made up of 26 trace elements, giving it therapeutic properties that are unique in the world. This composition can help combat rheumatism, arthritis and certain types of trauma. Its water is even said to be 10 times saltier than seawater.

Come and discover the salt grotto and lagoon of the Dead Sea of Terms. It's a journey through 3 rooms that stimulate all the senses around the world of salt and thermal water. It's like being in a real cave, a soothing and therapeutic place.

There's also a wellness area with a spa, a beauty area where you can enjoy top-of-the-range beauty treatments, an aquatic area and a fitness area.

Via Ferrata de Siala

Equip yourself with a helmet and harness and you're off to climb the Pyrenees! Overlooking the Ossau valley, the via ferrata allows you to climb to the top of the mountains and enjoy breathtaking views over the valley.

This is a via ferrata with a difference in altitude of 150m to 180m, depending on the difficulty required. The luckiest climbers will be able to spot griffon vultures on the way up.

The via ferrata is accessible to all. There's an easy, thrilling section for families, and a second section for adrenalin-seekers.