Bedous

Bedous, the heart of the Aspe Valley

Nestled in a wide glacial valley, Bedous is the central village of the Aspe Valley. It offers a perfect base for exploring the region, whether you're passionate about hiking, cycling, or simply admiring natural landscapes. The village is distinguished by its picturesque streets, traditional houses, and friendly atmosphere that reflects authentic Pyrenean charm.

Bedous is also crossed by the Gave d'Aspe, a crystal-clear river ideal for walks along its banks and for observing local wildlife. The proximity of the mountains provides easy access to hiking trails and sporting activities year-round.

Heritage and points of interest

The village has several historical and cultural sites that should not be missed:

Saint-Michel Church : built in the 17th century and restored over time, it is a symbol of local religious heritage.

Château Laclède : Dating from the 17th century, this old building is notable for its traditional architecture and surrounding gardens.

Orcun Chapel : This 12th-century chapel, located nearby, bears witness to the ancient religious history of the valley.

Former mill and industrial heritage : Bedous preserves several restored mills, vestiges of the village's agricultural and artisanal activity.

Every corner of the village allows you to immerse yourself in local history and discover the traditional way of life of the valley's inhabitants.

Shops, market and gastronomy

Bedous is a lively village, perfect for strolling and discovering the rich local produce of Béarn. The village offers a range of shops and services to help you make the most of your stay:

Restaurants and bars: several welcoming establishments offer local and friendly cuisine. Among them are traditional restaurants serving dishes made with mountain produce, as well as cafes and bars where you can enjoy a hot drink or a glass of wine after a day of hiking.

Bakery: The village bakery offers fresh bread and pastries, ideal for breakfast or for preparing a picnic for your excursions. It is also possible to buy bread directly from the Moulin de Bedous, a historic site that combines heritage and gastronomy.

Groceries and local products: the local grocery store offers a wide selection of everyday products and regional specialties, while Ferme Miramon offers locally produced artisanal cheese, perfect for discovering the flavors of Béarn.

Producers and crafts: Bedous is a true hub for artisanal producers. You'll find beekeepers, cheesemakers, jam makers, and many other local specialties. This local offering reflects the richness of the land and the residents' passion for artisanal production.

Weekly market:Every Thursday morning, the village comes alive with the Bedous market, which brings together numerous stalls: fruit and vegetable producers, cheesemakers, bakers, butchers, fishmongers, pastry chefs, brewers, and artisans of all kinds. It's the perfect opportunity to discover and taste local products, meet the producers, and soak up the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the village.

Bedous thus combines practical services and gourmet discoveries, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce, local crafts and friendly places to eat, while immersing themselves in the daily life of the valley.

Activities in and around Bedous

Bedous is an excellent starting point for enjoying outdoor activities in the Aspe Valley, whether it be hiking, mountain biking, family walks or relaxing moments by the water.

Hiking and walking

The valley offers a diverse network of hikes and walks accessible from Bedous:

• Gave d'Aspe Circuit: An easy walk along the river, ideal for families and nature lovers. Perfect for observing wildlife and enjoying the crystal-clear water.
• Laclède Castle Trail: a short but panoramic walk that allows you to discover the village and its historical monuments, including the castle and the Saint-Michel church.
• Hike to Lescun: for more experienced hikers, this route offers spectacular views of the Cirque de Lescun and the surrounding mountains.
• Walk to the Chapel of Orcun: a quiet path that leads to the 12th century chapel, offering a unique view of the valley and the mountains.
• Loop of the neighboring hamlets: a gentle hike to discover the immediate surroundings of Bedous and observe the traditional villages and artisanal farms.
  

These routes allow you to enjoy nature, local wildlife and exceptional panoramas without having to travel long distances.

Mountain biking and cycling

For those wishing to explore the valley by bike, Bedous has a mountain bike and e-bike rental shop located near the train station. Prices are very affordable and the equipment is suitable for all levels. The cycle paths around Bedous wind through forests, valleys, and villages, offering varied scenery and stunning views.

Picnic area and relaxation spaces

Bedous offers several areas for picnics and enjoying nature:

• Fishing spot: located near the river, this area has barbecues and picnic tables for enjoying an outdoor meal.
• Play area behind the church: ideal for families, with picnic tables and space for children to play safely.
• Benches and viewpoints: all around the village, numerous benches are installed in strategic locations, allowing you to enjoy a snack while admiring the incredible panoramas of the valley and mountains.
  

These spaces offer a perfect setting for a gourmet break, a moment of relaxation or simply to observe the landscape and recharge before setting off again on a hike or walk.

Transport and accessibility in Bedous

Bedous is well served by several means of transport, which facilitates access to the valley and travel once there.

Train – Bedous station (Pau – Bedous line)

The TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional train connects Pau to Bedous several times a day throughout the year via line 55 (Pau – Oloron – Bedous). This rail link allows you to arrive directly in the heart of the Aspe Valley in comfort and with scenic views, ideal for those who want to avoid using a car and enjoy the landscape from the very start of their journey.  

Bus – Line 550 (Bedous → Somport / Canfranc)

Line 550 serves Bedous throughout the year towards:

• Etsaut, Estaing, Cette-Eygun, Lescun, Accous
• Urdos, Somport (Somport Space)
• Canfranc (Spain)

These buses are an excellent way to connect the villages in the valley, the mountain sites and even to take a day trip to Somport or Canfranc without a car.  

Schedules vary depending on the season, but frequency is generally adapted to visitors' needs, with several departures per day during peak tourist season. Pyrenees Béarnaises

Demand-responsive transport (DRT)

The Communauté de Communes du Haut-Béarn offers a Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) service in several municipalities of the Aspe Valley, including Bedous. This shared service, which operates by appointment, allows travel between villages or to specific stops, even in areas not served by regular buses.

• Reservation by phone
• Suitable for ages 11 and up (with parental permission)
• Home pick-up is available for people over 70 or with reduced mobility, upon membership. Bedous+1

Taxis and other local options

In and around Bedous, local taxi services are available for trips to Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Pau, or other more distant destinations. Taxis can be booked for private transfers, although availability is more limited in rural areas than in towns.

A complementary solution widely used in the region is organized or spontaneous carpooling, particularly through networks like Rézo Pouce , which functions as a safe and structured hitchhiking service between villages in the valley and towards Oloron-Sainte-Marie. Pyrenees Béarnaises

Sustainable mobility and electric bike rentals

In Bedous, near the train station, a mountain bike and electric bike rental point is available to visitors—at affordable rates—allowing you to explore the valley at your own pace, without a car, while enjoying the cycle paths and marked routes around the village. Béarn Pyrenees