Les Halles de Pau
A vibrant two-story market in Pau, offering fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and a diverse array of eateries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest produce, fewer crowds
Les Halles de Pau
Best Time
Freshest produce, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant two-story market in Pau, offering fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and a diverse array of eateries.
"A beautiful very modern Food Hall on the lower floor and an outstanding Food Court on the upper floor."
🎯 Sample Before You Buy
Look out for free tasting opportunities, especially on Saturdays!
🚶♀️ Explore Both Floors
The ground floor is for fresh produce, the upper for eateries. Don't miss out!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisanal Charcuterie
Ground Floor
Savor handcrafted charcuterie from local producers, a true taste of Béarn's culinary heritage.
Tapas & Oyster Bar
Upper Floor
Indulge in delicious tapas and fresh oysters, perfect for sharing and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Local Produce Market
Ground Floor
Discover a vibrant farmers' market brimming with fresh, seasonal produce, cheeses, wines, and more.
Sweet Treats Galore
Ground Floor & Upper Floor
From delicate macarons to artisanal ice cream, satisfy your sweet tooth with delightful local confections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Culinary Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sample Before You Buy
Look out for free tasting opportunities, especially on Saturdays!
🚶♀️ Explore Both Floors
The ground floor is for fresh produce, the upper for eateries. Don't miss out!
🗣️ Try Your French!
Vendors are friendly and appreciate the effort, even if you're not fluent.
📅 Check for Special Events
The 'Nocture des Halles' on the last Friday of the month offers a unique evening experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sample Before You Buy
Look out for free tasting opportunities, especially on Saturdays!
🚶♀️ Explore Both Floors
The ground floor is for fresh produce, the upper for eateries. Don't miss out!
🗣️ Try Your French!
Vendors are friendly and appreciate the effort, even if you're not fluent.
📅 Check for Special Events
The 'Nocture des Halles' on the last Friday of the month offers a unique evening experience.
🚗 Parking Nearby
Several parking options are available around the market for easy access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Les Halles de Pau for its vibrant atmosphere, high-quality local produce, and diverse culinary offerings. The combination of a traditional market and a modern food court provides a unique experience, with many highlighting the delicious tapas and artisanal products. While generally positive, some find it can get quite crowded during peak times.
"Les Halles de Pau is a large 2-storey building that houses markets, both permanent and daily. Half of the lower floor is a farmers- market with fresh foods from the farms. The lower floor of the other half also has fresh foods but includes lots of lamb(especially now at Easter), fish, beef, pork, duck, cheese, wine and sweet treats like chocolate and macarons. Upstairs, above this section, are eateries, including tapas, and an oyster bar, among others. Today, I had tapas and tried my best french. The servers where you order and pick up, were super nice. The one woman who didn't speak English grabbed her colleague who did. Oh, and the food was très bien! The poulet mariner (marinated chicken) and potatas bravas were delicious! And as the name says, tapas, dishes to share. The amounts were very plentiful!"
Rae Ann Gustafson
"A really nice permanent indoors market with fresh, local produce sold directly from the farmers. Organic vendors, fresh flowers, cheeses, honey, cured and fresh meats, wines, baked goods… Lovely restaurants upstairs serving good quality food at very reasonable prices. Overall a nice cultural experience."
Amber Stepanov
"A gem in Pau, this market offers a fantastic selection of local and high-quality products. From fresh produce to artisanal goods, the variety is impressive and reflects the region’s rich culinary traditions. The vendors are friendly and knowledgeable, making the shopping experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for both locals and visitors!"
Olivier Bernard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Les Halles de Pau is centrally located in Pau. You can easily reach it by car, with several parking options nearby. Public transport is also a convenient way to get there, with bus stops within walking distance.
Yes, there are parking facilities available around Les Halles de Pau, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
If you are staying in the city center of Pau, Les Halles de Pau is easily accessible on foot. It's a pleasant walk through the charming streets.
For families, consider a combination of walking if you're nearby or using public transport. The market is stroller-friendly on the ground floor, though the upper floor might be more challenging with very young children.
Yes, Les Halles de Pau is well-served by local public transport. Check the local bus routes for the closest stops to the market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Les Halles de Pau is generally free. You only pay for the food and products you purchase from the vendors.
Opening hours can vary, but typically the market is open daily. The farmers' market on the ground floor usually operates in the mornings, while the eateries upstairs have extended hours. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be the busiest days at Les Halles de Pau due to its popularity for brunch and lunch.
While entry to the market is free, special evening events like the 'Nocture des Halles' might have specific ticketing or reservation requirements for certain food and drink experiences.
Yes, Les Halles de Pau is often open on Sundays, making it a popular spot for a relaxed Sunday lunch.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Les Halles de Pau offers a diverse culinary experience, from fresh local produce, charcuterie, and cheeses on the ground floor to a variety of eateries upstairs. You can find tapas, seafood, traditional French dishes, and sweet treats like macarons and ice cream.
While Les Halles de Pau is known for its local meats and seafood, you can often find fresh produce, salads, and some vegetarian dishes at various stalls. It's advisable to ask vendors directly about their offerings.
Many visitors rave about the tapas, especially the marinated chicken and patatas bravas. Don't miss the local charcuterie, fresh oysters, and the delicious macarons and ice cream.
Absolutely! The upper floor features a food court with various restaurants where you can enjoy a complete meal, from appetizers to dessert.
Yes, some vendors, particularly charcuterie and wine stalls, offer free tastings, especially on Saturdays.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Les Halles de Pau offers great photographic opportunities with its vibrant market stalls, diverse food displays, and the blend of modern and old architecture.
Capture the colorful produce displays on the ground floor, the bustling atmosphere of the eateries upstairs, and the architectural details of the building itself.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the market and products, but it's always polite to ask vendors for permission before taking close-ups of them or their specific displays.
There are usually no strict restrictions on casual photography for personal use. However, professional or commercial photography might require prior authorization.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the fresh produce, while the evening can offer a more atmospheric and lively scene, especially during events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Upstairs, the food court provides a variety of options to please different palates, making it easier to find something for picky eaters. While navigating with strollers might be a bit tight during peak hours, the overall experience is generally positive. Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, for a more relaxed family visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
For the most budget-friendly options, focus on the ground floor for fresh produce, bread, and local specialties that you can assemble into your own meal. Many tapas dishes are designed for sharing, which can also help manage costs. Look out for special offers or tasting opportunities to maximize your budget.
couples
The tapas and oyster bars offer a perfect setting for sharing small plates and enjoying a glass of wine. For a truly special evening, plan your visit around the 'Nocture des Halles' for a lively and atmospheric date night.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Culinary Journey Through Les Halles de Pau
The upper floor transforms into a lively food court, a modern culinary space where you can sit down and enjoy a meal. This level hosts a variety of eateries, including popular tapas bars, an oyster bar, and restaurants serving a range of dishes. Visitors often praise the quality and variety of food available, making it an ideal spot for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere here is often described as bustling and enjoyable, especially during peak hours.
Key culinary highlights include the renowned charcuterie from Maison Abadie, the family-recipe Tourtières Bizot, and delicious tapas that have been praised for their generous portions and excellent taste. For those with a sweet tooth, the macarons and artisanal ice cream are highly recommended.
The 'Nocture des Halles': An Evening to Remember
During the 'Nocture des Halles,' visitors can enjoy a different atmosphere, with extended opening hours for many of the food stalls and eateries. It's an excellent opportunity to sample a wider array of dishes, often with special offerings or tasting menus. Popular spots like the wine bar @cavethou and truffle pasta dishes are frequently mentioned as highlights of these events.
This event is perfect for those looking to experience the local culture and enjoy a relaxed evening of food and drinks in a festive setting. It's a chance to mingle with locals and discover new culinary delights in a unique ambiance.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit