Pau-Pyrénées Whitewater Stadium

Pau-Pyrénées Whitewater Stadium is an impressive modern complex for water sports, located in the outskirts of Pau. It is not just a training base for the world's slalom elite, but also a thriving outdoor activity center, also known as Parc Aquasports. Against the backdrop of majestic Pyrenean panoramas, a unique artificial river has been created here with powerful currents mimicking wild mountain waters.

The complex in France features two main courses: a 300-meter professional competition course and a gentler training course. Thanks to a sophisticated system of pumps and dams, water is supplied to the channels year-round, ensuring perfect conditions for training and entertainment regardless of the whims of nature. The use of natural stones in the riverbed design gives the facility a surprisingly natural and harmonious look.

Beyond sporting achievements, the park attracts tourists with its family-friendly atmosphere. Here, you can not only battle the current but also enjoy a relaxing break at the panoramic restaurant or rent bicycles to explore the surroundings. This place is rightfully considered one of the best artificial rowing stadiums in the world due to its combination of technical perfection and integration into the urban environment.

You can contact the complex administration by phone or through the official website, where online activity booking is also available. For the convenience of visitors, the main contact details for the sports park are provided below.

Please note that during major competitions, communication may be limited due to the high workload of the staff.

The main magnet for visitors is undoubtedly the whitewater and the adrenaline rush. Depending on your skill level, you can choose classic rafting with friends, try hydrospeed (navigating the water on a special board close to the surface), or hop into an air boat (inflatable kayak) to conquer the rapids on your own. For beginners, there is a special initiation pool where you can master basic paddling skills under the supervision of experienced instructors.

If you prefer to stay dry, the complex grounds offer excellent opportunities for land-based leisure. Mountain bike (MTB) rentals are available year-round, and the picturesque paths along the Gave de Pau river are perfect for walking. Throughout the year, the channel hosts more than 15 major competitions — watching professionals skillfully navigate the gates at breakneck speeds is a thrilling spectacle for the whole family.

After an active day, it’s worth stopping by the local restaurant. Its panoramic windows and open terrace allow you to dine while enjoying views of training athletes and the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees. It is an ideal place for corporate events, celebrations, or simply relaxing in the fresh air amidst an atmosphere of sporting excitement.

The sports complex is located in the commune of Bizanos, practically on the border with the city of Pau, at 39 Av. de l'Yser. The journey from the city center by car takes no more than 5–10 minutes. For those who prefer eco-friendly travel, the channel can be reached on foot or by bicycle along the scenic banks of the Gave de Pau river.

For public transport users, there are convenient routes provided by the IDELIS bus network. Buses heading towards Bizanos stop in the immediate vicinity of the Aquasports park entrance. If you are arriving from Pau-Pyrénées Airport, the distance is about 10 km, making it easy to reach by taxi or rental car.

The complex itself features a spacious free parking lot, making the visit as comfortable as possible for those traveling by car. Look for the panoramic restaurant building and the characteristic outlines of the dam on the river to find the entrance.

The city of Pau has historically been considered the cradle of French canoe slalom thanks to the natural rapids of the local river, where generations of athletes have trained. The idea of creating a modern artificial channel gained powerful momentum following the success of local Olympic champions — brothers Tony and Patrice Estanguet. The construction of the complex, costing over 11 million euros, was a significant step in securing the region's status as a world center for water sports.

Work was completed by 2008, and the stadium immediately became the primary training base for the France national team for the Beijing Olympics. The project's uniqueness lay in its innovative design: instead of standard plastic obstacles, natural boulders embedded in concrete were used to recreate the atmosphere of a real mountain river within an urban environment.

The official opening took place in 2009 and was marked by hosting a stage of the Canoe Slalom World Cup. Since then, the course has regularly hosted top-level international championships. Today, the whitewater stadium is not only an elite sports facility but also a successful example of a recreational park accessible to residents and visitors of the city year-round.

The time needed to visit the complex depends directly on your goals. If you plan to simply walk around the grounds, watch professional paddlers training from the shore, or have lunch at the restaurant overlooking the rushing currents, one hour will be sufficient.

For active tourists wishing to test themselves on the course, it is recommended to allocate 2 to 4 hours. This time is enough for the briefing, equipment selection, and the rafting or kayaking trip itself. If you are heading here with the whole family to combine water activities with mountain biking and a full outdoor getaway, it is better to schedule half a day.

The whitewater stadium is open to visitors daily; however, the operating hours change slightly depending on the day of the week. On weekdays, the complex operates on a full business day schedule, while on weekends it opens a bit later and closes earlier.

Official Schedule:

• Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The surroundings of the whitewater stadium offer many options to continue your journey, allowing you to combine active sports with cultural leisure. Just a couple of kilometers from the stadium, you'll find historical monuments, green spaces, and cozy squares that reveal the charm of this region.

Exploring nearby attractions will help you better feel the atmosphere of the city and see it from different angles — from ancient castles to modern public spaces.