Things To Do
in Lons
Lons is a quiet Béarn town in southwest France, set among rolling hills and vineyards with easy access to the nearby Pyrenees. It offers a peaceful rural atmosphere, with a strong sense of Basque and Béarnais heritage reflected in its markets and cuisine. The town serves as a gateway to Pau and the broader Basque‑Pyrénées region, making day trips simple and scenic.
Visitors come for relaxed walks, market life, and a convenient base for exploring southwest France.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local boulangerie, savoring freshly baked croissants and café au lait. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the traditional architecture and quaint shops. Stop by the impressive Church of Saint-Maurice to appreciate its beautiful stained glass and serene atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Château de Lons, where you can explore the beautiful gardens and learn about the history of the region. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the lush greenery and the sounds of nature. After lunch, immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Lons Museum, which showcases art and artifacts from the area.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy bistro for dinner, where you can indulge in regional specialties like coq au vin or ratatouille. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the river, soaking in the peaceful ambiance and watching the stars emerge. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a local wine bar, sipping on a glass of Côtes du Jura.
Begin your day with a cooking class at a local culinary school, where you'll learn to prepare traditional French dishes using fresh, local ingredients. After the class, enjoy the fruits of your labor as you sit down to a delicious lunch that includes the dishes you've prepared. Take a moment to relax with a stroll through the local market, where you can find artisanal products and local cheeses.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided wine tour to nearby vineyards, where you can taste exquisite wines and learn about the wine-making process. Engage with the vintners, who will share their passion and knowledge about the region's unique varietals. Enjoy the picturesque views of the rolling vineyards as you sip on your favorite wines.
For dinner, choose a classic French restaurant that specializes in regional cuisine paired with carefully selected wines. After your meal, take a scenic drive through the countryside to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Lons and its surroundings. End your evening at a charming café, where you can indulge in a decadent dessert as you listen to live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🥖Basic groceries | $4-8 |
| 🏠Rent for 1BR apartment (city center) | $700-1100/mo |
| 🚆Monthly public transport pass | $40-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming small-town atmosphere
- Easy access to Pau and the Pyrenees
- Delicious Béarnais and Basque influences
- Quaint markets and scenic countryside
- Limited nightlife within Lons
- Some services concentrated in Pau
- Occasional language barrier for non-French speakers
- Hilly terrain can be challenging for some walkers
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché?" - Where is the market?
- "Pouvez-vous m'aider?" - Can you help me?
- "Je voudrais…" - I would like…
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Lons
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over the valley with the Pyrenees on clear days, especially at sunrise or sunset.
A historic church with a simple façade and a tower that makes for classic village photography.
Flat, scenic riverside stretch ideal for long afternoon shoots and golden-hour reflections.
City skyline framed by hills and mountains; great for cityscape and landscape compositions.
Terraced slopes with rows of vines, offering colorful sunsets and atmospheric vineyard portraits.
Food in Lons
Lons Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Béarn soup rich with cabbage, beans, potatoes, and confit de canard or bacon.
Must-Try!
Chicken simmered with peppers, tomatoes, and Bayonne influences, often finished with Espelette pepper.
A peppery, diced veal or pork stew flavored with piment d'Espelette and onions.
Sheep’s milk cheese, commonly found at markets and fromageries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market with cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, fresh fruit, and regional pastries; a great place to taste local produce.
Seasonal stalls offering bread, vegetables, and prepared foods; ideal for a casual lunch or snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite Bonjour (hello) is standard; greet people when entering shops or dining spaces.
Maintain a calm dining pace; avoid loud talking in quiet spaces; meals are often social occasions.
French is predominant; Basque and Occitan influences exist in some areas, but French is understood widely.
Safety
Tipping in Lons
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included; leaving an extra 5-10% for good service is common when not included.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with possible heat peaks; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and enjoy evenings on cooler terraces.
Harvest season in vineyards; pleasant temperatures for hiking and market visits, with colorful foliage.
Cool to cold, with rain or light snow in higher elevations; packing layers is advised.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for outdoor activities and outdoor markets.
Lons at Night
Hiking in Lons
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A variety of easy to moderate trails offering valley and mountain views close to Lons.
Scenic hikes among vineyards with opportunities to stop for tastings and viewpoints.
Flat and scenic routes along the river, ideal for family hikes.
More challenging mountain routes for experienced hikers with expansive panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Lons by plane.
Regional airport serving the Béarn area; connects to a few major hubs and offers convenient access to Lons by car.
Busy international airport in Bayonne with frequent flights; about a one-hour drive to Lons.
Regional airport serving Lourdes and surrounding areas; roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Large international hub about 2 hours by road or rail from Lons.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families enjoying the countryside and proximity to Pau.
A notable portion of residents value the slower pace and accessible healthcare.
People who commute to Pau or work in agriculture, wine production, and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in the region with local clubs and matches in nearby Pau.
Road cycling is common, with scenic routes through Béarn and occasional routes used in the Tour de France.
Local and regional leagues provide weekend games and youth programs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lons.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many menus feature vegetable-forward plates, gratins, and market salads; ask for veggie options or substitutions in traditional dishes.