La Piscine property for long term rentals near Pau South-West France

The Château d'Aran is an important historical monument in the small town of Assat, just south of Pau, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, in South-West France. This part of France is often referred to as Le Béarn an old historical region of France dating back to the Kingdom of Bearnaise. The town has a population of around 2,000 people and is situated on a river (the Gave de Pau). The town dates back to at least 980 AD and in the centre there is an ancient bastide (fortified town with defensive walls) with narrow cobbled streets. From the town, there are lovely views of the Pyrénees mountains in the distance. Today, Assat has a range of facilities including a train station, restaurants, cafe-bars, boulangeries, supermarkets and small boutiques.

Assat is just 10 km from the historic  city of Pau. The city has become a popular destination for ex-Pats, offering a cheaper cost of living that Paris or Bordeaux and having a great quality of life, with lots of green spaces and parks, excellent healthcare, a very safe environment and a pedestrian center. Pau also offers easy access to Toulouse, Bordeaux, Biarritz and the Atlantic coast down to Northern Spain. In the centre of Pau, you will find the Château de Pau, a renaissance castle, that was the birthplace of King Henry IV of France. The castle is now a museum and offers picturesque views of the Pyrénees. The Boulevard des Pyrénées is one of the main shopping streets in the city and features bars and pavement cafés. This vibrant street offers stunning views of the Pyrenees mountains. The Palais de Beaumont, a beautiful palace with landscaped gardens, which is used as a venue for exhibitions, seminars and weddings. The Pau-Pyrenees Whitewater Stadium is the ideal place for adrenaline junkies. The stadium is the home training facility for the French national canoe slalom team. There are a range of water sports, including white water rafting, hover boards, as well as canoeing. Pau Golf Club, is just 6 miles away from Assat.

The coastal town of Biarritz, famous for its beaches, 19th century architecture, casinos and chic atmosphere, is just 1 hour away. Nearby to Biarritz, is the city of Bayonne, with its Gothic cathedral and lively old town. 

Other local towns and villages to visit include the 19th-century spa town of Eaux-Bonnes, situated at the foot of Col d'Aubisque mountain, the pretty village of Beuste, with traditional Béarnaise buildings; and the traditional ski resort of Gourette, which offers access to winter sports and hiking trails.