The Pau Gelos Stud Farm (Les Haras Nationaux de Pau Gelos)

Napoleon 1st decided to create a stud farm in Gelos, next to Pau in 1808.

It is based in the former summer residence of the President of the Parliament of Navarre, in one of the rare 18th century dwellings which is still present in the local landscape.

The company is very much alive today with horse-breeding as its principal business activity. It is the symbol of equine breeding in the Pyrenees Atlantiques department and is ranked no. 1 in France.

The farm has 60 draft, blood and sport stallions and in particular regional thoroughbreds (Anglo-Arab stallions, Merens, Pottocks and ponies from the Landes region)

The particular features of the site: the collection of 19th-century horse-drawn cars from the town of Pau and from the farm, a 32-acre park, an 18th-century castle and traditional trades.


A few events and major shows which are regularly organized throughout the year ...

- January, presentations of the stallions and carriages - August, thoroughbred breeding competition, selection of Anglo-Arab stallions - August, full horse riding competition - September, heritage celebration days - On Saint-Michel's day, on Sunday, open house - November, national Pyrenean donkey competition, regional draft horse competition involving 250 competitors. When to visit: From 9 January to 23 December - from Tuesday to Friday, visits at 10.00 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. - Saturday and Sunday, visits at 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. Entrance fees: Full price: 5 € Groups: 4 €, by appointment, minimum of 20 people, possible throughout the year Students, teachers, unemployed: 3€ Children under 7 (not in a group): Free
Contact details: Les Amis du Haras National de Pau Gelos 1, rue du Maréchal Leclerc 64110 Gelos Tel. no.: 00 33 (0)5 59 35 06 52 Fax no.: 00 33 (0)5 59 35 06 52 E-mail: AmisDuHaras@free.fr Website: Les amis du Haras
How to get there: A stone's throw from the town centre of Pau, heading south towards Jurançon, then Gelos CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MAP