The centre of Gelos lies on the left bank of the Gave de Pau. The municipality extends across the Vallée Heureuse to wooded and agricultural areas through which the Soust flows. Four fifths of the municipality consists of natural and agricultural land, slopes and forest. This offers several ways to shape a stay: the Haras national, an easy circular walk, the voie verte and market dates. Which of these defines your stay depends on whether you are most interested in the landscape, history or market life.
Landscape and trails in Gelos
The voie verte from Gelos to Mazères-Lezons passes the Pradeau and crosses a footbridge with a view of the Château de Pau. It then runs alongside the Haras and through the Saligue to the weir. These landmarks shape the character of the route: the view of the Château is from the bridge, while the Saligue and the weir are further points along the way.
Those weighing up different route options will find both this trail and the Boucle du chemin Paillassa in Gelos. The voie verte runs from Gelos to Mazères-Lezons, while the Paillassa is a circular walk starting from Gelos. The two trails therefore differ in their form: one runs between towns, while the other loops back to its starting point.
The Boucle du chemin Paillassa
The Boucle du chemin Paillassa is an easy 6.6-kilometre circular walk starting from Gelos. The route takes about two hours and 30 minutes. It follows forest paths and small roads over the hills; along the way, open views extend across the surrounding slopes and the Pyrenean range. The approximate duration helps you plan the walk as a separate activity. Trail conditions can vary.
The Château de Tout-y-Croît is close to the route. The private estate has retained its agricultural use and can be viewed from the trail. The circular walk therefore combines views of the slopes and Pyrenees with a glimpse of an estate that is still used for agriculture, without including a visit to the property.
The Haras national and its history
The Haras national de Pau-Gelos is housed in a château built in 1784. Napoleon’s stay there in 1808 led to the decision to relocate the Haras to this site. This historical significance comes with comprehensive heritage protection: under a protection order dated 4 August 2011, the Haras national is fully protected as a historic monument. This includes the built and undeveloped areas, as well as the perimeter walls and gates.
Public access to the Haras national de Pau-Gelos is currently closed; this status may change. Check access before planning a visit. The site’s history remains an important part of what Gelos has to offer, even though the Haras should not currently be planned as a publicly accessible visitor attraction.
Weekly market and Les Savouriades
The weekly market takes place on Tuesday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Place de la Liberté. Producers offer fruit and vegetables, cheese, fish, specialities from around the world and other products. If the market is important to your plans, check the details locally, as recurring market times can change.
Les Savouriades is a recurring evening walking market in Gelos, with a changing selection. It features music, entertainment, drinks, food served on site and local producers. Dates and participating vendors vary by edition. While the weekly market has a regular weekly time slot, visits to Les Savouriades depend on the specific edition; check the announced dates.
Discover more destinations: Lurbe-Saint-Christau, Lasse, Crouseilles, Briscous, Sauguis-Saint-Étienne, Estérençuby, Viven, Loubieng.
For the overarching travel guide: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
