Things To Do
in Orthez
Orthez is a small, historic market town in Béarn (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) straddling the Gave de Pau, with a medieval bridge and the ruins of Château Moncade overlooking narrow streets. Its architecture reflects Gascon and Béarnaise heritage: stone houses, a prominent bell tower, and lively weekly markets. Orthez serves as a quiet base for exploring the foothills of the Pyrenees, nearby vineyards, and regional food traditions.
Life here moves at a relaxed pace, blending rural charm with easy rail and road links to Pau, Bayonne and the Pyrenees.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Orthez, immersing yourself in the charm of its medieval architecture. Visit the iconic Pont Vieux, an ancient bridge that offers stunning views of the Gave de Pau river. Take a moment to sip a coffee at a quaint café, savoring the local pastries while soaking in the early morning atmosphere.
In the afternoon, dive into Orthez's rich history with a visit to the Château Moncade, where you can learn about the region's significance during the Middle Ages. Enjoy a picnic in the surrounding gardens or at the banks of the river, where you can relax amidst beautiful nature. As the day passes, consider exploring local artisan shops for unique souvenirs.
As night falls, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling regional dishes that highlight local ingredients. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the river, watching the sunset paint the sky in vibrant colors over the scenery. Conclude your day with a glass of local wine at a cozy bar, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Set out early for a short trip to Pau, where you can visit the breathtaking Château de Pau, the birthplace of King Henry IV of France. Spend the morning exploring the castle's stunning architecture and the beautiful gardens that offer panoramic views of the Pyrenees mountains. Don't forget to grab a coffee from a nearby café before heading to the next destination.
After lunch in Pau, stroll through the Boulevard des Pyrénées, a picturesque promenade with stunning views of the mountains. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon visiting local markets or boutiques that reflect the vibrant culture of the city. As you explore, take time to relax in one of the charming parks that dot Pau.
Return to Orthez in the evening and unwind at a local brasserie, where you can indulge in classic French cuisine. If available, attend a local event or concert to experience the cultural life of the region. End your day with a peaceful walk in Orthez, feeling the energy of the lively streets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Beer (local, 500ml) | $4-6 |
| 🛌Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-110 |
| 🚌Local bus or short train ticket | $1.50-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich local food and markets
- Historic town center with impressive views
- Quiet, authentic Béarnaise atmosphere
- Good base for Pyrenees day trips
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Fewer tourist services compared with larger cities
- Some seasonal closures in low season
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Orthez
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque stone bridge over the Gave de Pau — great for sunrise/sunset reflections and river scenes.
The castle ruins and hilltop vantage offer panoramic photos of the town and surrounding countryside.
Architectural details, stone façades and views from nearby streets make this a strong spot for close-up and wide-angle shots.
River scenes, old mills and seasonal light along the Gave de Pau are ideal for nature and lifestyle photography.
Capture colorful stalls, local producers, and candid portraits of daily life during busy market mornings.
Food in Orthez
Orthez Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional thick cabbage and bean soup/stew often enriched with confit de canard or ham — warming and commonly found at local restaurants and markets.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked duck leg and grilled duck breast are regional staples; look for restaurants serving them with potatoes or seasonal greens.
A celebrated sheep’s milk cheese from the Pyrenees — sold in the Orthez market and from local cheesemakers.
Cured ham from the Basque-influenced part of the region; served in slices or on charcuterie plates in town eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Orthez’s market is the place to find fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie, breads and prepared regional specialties — plan to try local pastries, cheeses and cured meats from stallholders.
During summer or festival days you'll find temporary stands by the river selling sandwiches, rotisserie items and regional snacks—great for a casual picnic.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet with 'Bonjour' on entering shops and say 'Merci' and 'Au revoir' when leaving; use 'Monsieur'/'Madame' until invited to use first names.
In southwestern France the cultural greeting can include two cheek kisses (la bise) among acquaintances — follow local cues and don’t initiate if uncertain.
Small towns maintain quieter hours, especially Sundays and evenings; be mindful of noise and local rhythms.
Safety
Tipping in Orthez
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charge is generally included in restaurant bills (service compris), but leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated. For taxi drivers or hotel porters, a few euros is normal for helpful service.
Credit and debit cards (chip-and-PIN) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; smaller markets and rural vendors may prefer cash. Contactless payments are common in larger outlets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with plenty of sunshine — ideal for river activities, outdoor markets and long terraces; book accommodations early for July–August and expect lively town events.
Mild temperatures, harvest season for local products and beautiful fall colors in the countryside; a good time for food festivals and quieter sightseeing.
Cooler, wetter weather with occasional frost — town life is quieter, some seasonal businesses may have reduced hours, but it's a calm time to explore museums and cozy restaurants.
Blooming landscapes and milder weather make it pleasant for walking and cycling; markets revive and outdoor dining begins to pick up.
Orthez at Night
Hiking in Orthez
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy, mostly flat walks along the river ideal for short outings, birdwatching and gentle photography.
Local loop trails through vineyards and rolling hills around Orthez — good half-day hikes with panoramic views.
A moderate climb in the Pyrenean foothills near Pau offering rewarding views; suitable as a day hike for fit walkers.
Iconic Pyrenean peak reached after a longer drive — challenging routes and dramatic scenery for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
Airports
How to reach Orthez by plane.
Closest airport (approximately 30–40 km). Offers domestic flights and some European connections; reachable by car or regional bus and then local train/taxi to Orthez.
Larger airport on the Atlantic coast (about 70–90 km), with more international flights and car rental options; transfer by car or regional train via Bayonne.
Major international airport (around 150 km), suitable if you need wider flight options; accessible by rental car or train services to Orthez.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established families with deep ties to regional traditions, agriculture and small business.
Attractive for retirees seeking a quiet lifestyle and for people with second homes drawn to the countryside.
Residents who work in nearby towns like Pau or in local services — a mix of younger families and working-age adults.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is very popular across southwestern France — local clubs and passionate spectators are common; Pau (nearby) has a professional Top 14 rugby team.
Road cycling and touring are popular, with scenic routes through rolling countryside and routes leading toward the Pyrenees.
Walking in the foothills and long-distance hiking toward the Pyrenees attract outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Orthez.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available — salads, omelettes, cheese plates and seasonal vegetable dishes; inform servers that you do not eat meat and ask for vegetable-based starters and sides.
Vegan choices are more limited in small towns but possible with advance notice: look for vegetable soups, salads, grilled vegetables and check for dairy-free cheeses or plant-based alternatives at larger cafés.
Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but cross-contamination is possible in bakeries. Bring snacks if you have a strict intolerance and notify staff when ordering.