Events not to be missed in the Ossau Valley

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Experience the Ossau Valley through its festivals, traditions and unmissable events!
The Ossau Valley is brimming with traditions and events all year round!
From village festivals and the transhumance of herds to cheese fairs and sporting events, there’s always something new to discover.
Browse our guide season by season so you don’t miss any of the valley’s must-see events.
 

In summer

 

Traditional festivals​


In the Ossau Valley, traditional festivals play a very important role and bear witness to a cultural heritage that is still very much alive. 
These festivals are, above all, an opportunity for people of all ages to come together, where the local community gathers to celebrate its history and its roots. 
 
 
Fêtes traditionnelles de Laruns    

Every year, the locals keep Béarn traditions alive through songs, dances and parades in richly decorated traditional costumes (a powerful symbol of local identity). 

Béost Festival - BÉOST
25 and 26 July 2026​

Aas Festival - AAS
8 and 9 August 2026​

Laruns Festival - LARUNS
Every year on 15 August​

Bielle Festival - BIELLE
22 and 23 August 2026
  • A morning serenade with the musicians during the Aas festivities - © OTVO
  • Traditional festival costumes of Laruns - © OTVO

All about pastoralism

 
  • Transhumance in the Valley – BÉNOU, GÈRE-BELESTEN, LARUNS 
    Dates for 2026 to be announced (early July)

In the Ossau Valley, transhumance is an age-old tradition that takes place every year. 
It involves moving flocks of sheep, herds of cows and herds of horses to the mountain pastures. 
This tradition continues to this day, reflecting a skill passed down through the generations, whilst helping to preserve the landscape.
During this transhumance weekend, the livestock is usually marked directly on the farm by the shepherds, but also on the Bénou Plateau or at Gère-Belesten for the cows and horses.
The herds then set off and pass through the various villages of the valley to reach the summer pastures.
The village of Laruns is a must-see spot for watching the herds pass through.
Please note that some roads may be closed during this period.
 
  • Pourtalet Festival - COL DU POURTALET
    Dates for 2026 to be announced (in July)

The Pourtalet Festival is now a highlight of the year, bringing together the Ossau and Tena valleys (Spain). 
Much more than just a mountain pass, the Col du Pourtalet becomes a place of celebration where tradition, history and conviviality come together. Singing, dancing, children’s workshops and a pastoral walk help to revive ancient customs and pass on a living heritage.
This day celebrates Béarn culture and cross-border ties. A significant symbolic moment is the signing of a treaty and the exchange of gifts between the two valleys, recalling the historic agreements that have fostered peace and cooperation for centuries.
 
  • Herding dog trials 
    19 July 2026 - ARUDY

Herding dog trials showcase the bond between the shepherd and their dog, as well as their mastery of working with animals. During these trials, the dogs must guide a flock of sheep or cattle through various courses, responding to their handler’s precise commands.
These trials provide an opportunity to observe the dogs’ intelligence, agility and obedience.
 
  • Draft Horse Shows
    Dates for 2026 to be announced (in July)

Draft horse shows celebrate the power, elegance and historic role of these animals in rural work. Once indispensable for ploughing fields or carrying loads, draft horses now play an important role in preserving our agricultural heritage.
During these competitions, various events assess the horses’ qualities, including their conformation, gait, docility and ability to perform harness work. 
  • Herd marking in Gère-Belesten - © OTVO
  • A cow during the branding of the herd at Gère-Belesten - © OTVO

Food and drink


Local Farmers’ Market – ARUDY
Date: August 2026 (to be confirmed)

Every year, local farmers’ markets showcase a variety of regional produce (cheeses, breads, honey and charcuterie).
These markets foster a direct link between producers and consumers. You can ask questions, discover where the products come from and gain a better understanding of how they are made.
Finally, farmers’ markets offer an authentic and welcoming experience. The smells, colours and lively atmosphere make them pleasant places where shopping becomes a moment of pleasure and sharing.
 

Sports

 
  • L'Ossaloise (Ossau Challenge)
    Trail running and road races
    28 and 29 June 2026
 
  • La Quebrantahuesos
    Cycling race
    Date to be confirmed for 2026 (in June)
 
  • The GTVO (Grand Tour de la Vallée d'Ossau)
    Trail running and road running
    2026 date to be confirmed (in July)
 
  • Artouste Triathlon
    Triathlon
    25 July 2026
 
  • The Mathieu Ladagnous Cyclosportive
    Cycling race
    2026 date to be confirmed (in July)
 
  • La Haute Route
    Cycling race
    Date 2026 to be confirmed (in July)
 
  • The Pyrénées Cycl'n Trip
    Cycling race
    Date 2026 to be confirmed (in July)
 
  • The Montée de l'Aubisque (Ossau Challenge)
    Trail running and road running races
    23 August 2026
  • The Quebrantahuesos Cycle Race - © OTVO

Culture

 
  • Écrire La Nature Literature Festival
    Date for 2026 to be confirmed (in June)
 
  • L'Été Ossalois
    Every year in July and August
 
  • Les Estives Musicales
    Every year in July and August
 
  • Lo Becut Storytelling Festival
    Date for 2026 to be confirmed (in August)
 
 

In autumn

 
  • The Cheese Fair – LARUNS 
    Every year, on the first weekend of October
 
The Laruns Cheese Fair is a traditional festival held every year on the first weekend of October. It celebrates the cheeses of the Ossau Valley and the expertise of local shepherds.
For a whole weekend, the village of Laruns comes alive with a large market bringing together numerous producers and craftspeople. Visitors can watch demonstrations of cheese-making, sheep shearing and even sheepdogs at work. 
Traditional songs, dances and music also add to the atmosphere of the event.
 
  • Sowing Festival - ARUDY
    Dates for 2026 to be announced (in October)
 
The Arudy Sowing Festival, also known as the Autumn Fair, is a rural celebration that showcases the agricultural traditions of the Ossau Valley. Held annually, it symbolically marks the start of the sowing season and pays tribute to the work of farmers.
The village of Arudy comes alive with a market featuring local producers where visitors can discover regional specialities. The festival is complemented by a range of activities, such as demonstrations of traditional crafts, exhibitions of vintage farming equipment and parades in traditional costume.
  • Cheese-making demonstration during the Laruns Cheese Fair - © OTVO
  • Machine at the Arudy Autumn Fair - © OTVO

Food and drink


Ossau Valley Wine and Gastronomy Fair – LARUNS
7 and 8 November 2026

The Wine and Gastronomy Fair is an unmissable event for lovers of fine food and local produce.
Every year, it brings together numerous producers of wine and gastronomic specialities from different regions.
 

Sporting events

 
  • The Tour de l'Ossau (Ossau Challenge)
    Trail running and road races
    20 September 2026
 
  • On s'y Col (Aubisque)
    Cycling race
    Date to be confirmed in 2026 (in September)
  • Trail in Gourette and the Col d'Aubisque - © Florian Monot

Culture

 
  • Étonnant Randonneurs Festival 
    Date to be confirmed in 2026 (in September)
 
  • Le Pic Vert Festival
    Date to be confirmed in 2026 (in September) 
     
  • Arudy Arts and Stone Festival
    Date to be confirmed in 2026 (in September)
 
 

In winter

 

Sports

 
  • Telemark - GOURETTE
    Telemark race
    Date: 2027 (January)
 
  • Happy Shredding Day - ARTOUSTE
    Ski competition
    Artouste resort closing weekend
 
  • La Gourettoise 
    Ski mountaineering race
    Date 2027 to be announced (in March)
  • Happy Shredding Day event at Artouste ski resort - © Hugo Aussenac

In spring

 

Focus on pastoralism


Agricultural Fair – GÈRE-BELESTEN
Date for 2027 to be announced (in January)

The Agricultural Fair celebrates the farming world and local expertise. Every year, it brings together farmers, producers and craftspeople for a friendly get-together.
Visitors can discover farm animals and watch demonstrations of agricultural trades.
 

Sports

 
  • Pyrénéa 
    Triathlon
    29 March 2026
 
  • Kayak Ossau Extrême
    Kayak competition
    11 and 12 April 2026
 
  • The Bénou Trail (Ossau Challenge)
    Trail running and road races
    1 May 2026
 
  • BBRace
    Mountain bike and e-MTB race
    10 May 2026
 
  • Lo Petit Aussales (Ossau Challenge)
    Trail running and road races
    24 May 2026
  • Trail to the Col d'Aubisque via Gourette - © Florian Monot