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Cover Image: “Smile!” by Tetsumo is licensed under CC BY 2.0. All CC pictures are available from Creative Commons.
From the Étoiles de Pau horse trials; Northampton v. Pau rugby match; wine tourism in the Madiran and Charlotte Rampling reading Shakespeare, here are some events happening this Autumn that may enrich un petit séjour/little break or weekend à la campagne/weekend in the countryside with us (chez Peyroulat).
“La rentrée” (Back to School) has begun in earnest, but all work and no play can make Jack (or Jacques) a dull boy (as they say), so here are some suggestions of activities and attractions in and around Pau, Marciac and the Madiran wine region in Autumn 2025.
International eventing, dressage and show jumping in Pau at the Étoiles de Pau
Étoiles de Pau, Domaine de Sers, Pau will take place between 23rd and 26th October 2025. The international horse trials and eventing competition features cross country, dressage and show jumping with some of the world’s best riders.
Étoiles de Pau is the only 5* eventing competition in France. This means that it is the French equivalent of prestigious international competitions like Badminton and Burghley horse trials in the UK and Fair Hill and Lexington in the USA. Étoiles de Pau is just off the Pau ring road (la rocade) to the north of the city, and easily accessible from Peyroulat by car.
International rugby matches in Pau
Northampton Saints v Pau rugby club (Section Paloise)
After Section Paloise’s (Pau Rugby Club) ascent into the Top 14 (the French rugby premiership) after the 2014-15 season, this year heralds another milestone for the boys in green. Pau has qualified to play in the prestigious Investec Champions Cup, in 2025-26, the first time in 25 years.
On Sunday 7th December 2025, Pau will play its Investec tournament opener, taking on Northampton Saints at Pau’s home ground at Stade du Hameau in Pau. Then, a little further ahead, in the new year, it’s the turn of the South Africans to fly in, with the Vodacom Bulls taking on Section Paloise on Friday 16th January 2026.
Pau rugby stadium is on the east side of Pau and easily accessible by car from Peyroulat.
Arts and music events
Charlotte Rampling at L’Astrada in Marciac
In French with English subtitles
On Saturday 22nd November 2025 British actress Charlotte Rampling is coming to L’Astrada, the permanent entertainment hall in Marciac, joined by the cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton. The promo reads: “Charlotte Rampling’s deep voice and Sonia Wieder-Atherton’s haunting notes transport viewers to a timeless space…William Shakespeare’s sonnets come to life through the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.” L’Astrada is easily accessible from Peyroulat by car. The full season with more options can be found on the L’Astrada website.
At the Zenith de Pau
Lamomali is an inspired Franco-Malian musical collective, under the leadership of Matthieu Chedid. If you enjoyed their first album in 2017, in between playing major venues like the Accor Arena Paris, they are fitting in Pau for one night for their return 2025 tour. Lamomali’s concert in Pau will take place on Thursday 20th November 2025. Although on first sight it said it was “complet” (full), after ignoring that sign the seating plan indicated there were still seats available.
Julien Doré is a big name in French pop music. He is back in Pau on Friday 17th October 2025. Unfortunately, it is already sold out but we thought it was worth mentioning in case there are returns, or for his next visit.
On Thursday 11th December 2025, the Amy Winehouse band brings together the original musicians who accompanied the late Amy Winehouse on tour and in the studio, under the direction of her longtime bassist and musical director, Dale Davis. Singer Bronte Shande, chosen by Dale Davis, performs Amy’s repertoire alongside the musicians who formed her original band.
Zenith de Pau is on the Pau ring road and easily accessible by car from Peyroulat.
Wine tourism in the Madiran: Portes Ouvertes in November 2025 in the Madiran wine region
For an authentic weekend in the French countryside (weekend à la campagne au Madiran) why not visit during the November Portes Ouvertes weekend? For more than 20 years, the chateaux and domaines of Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh (read more here about Madiran) open their doors for wine tastings, dinners and other events on the third weekend of November.
This year Madiran’s Portes ouvertes takes place on Saturday 15th November 2025 and Sunday 16th November 2025. At time of publishing, the Madiran Pacherenc Vic-Bilh website was still advertising last year’s event (sleepy south-west France et al).
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Disclaimer: This Peyroulat “What’s on in Pau, Madiran and Marciac” has been compiled as a useful information-only resource and we take no liability for any errors, changes to schedules or cancellations. Check with the venue for ticket prices and start times. All events are within easy reach of Peyroulat by car in about 10 to 45 minutes’ drive (subject to tractors)…
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