Circuit Pau-Arnos
Location
Arnos, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Current Local Time
Track Info
Circuit Pau-Arnos - Arnos, France
Compact permanent circuit near Pau - known for steep gradients, technical corners and its dramatic valley setting
When was the track built?
The project began in the early 1980s as communities around Lacq looked for new economic activity while local oil and gas production declined. Driving-school founder Bernard Téulé proposed a permanent motorsport venue near his home village of Arnos.
The circuit was privately financed and supported by local landowners, neighbouring communities and motorsport figures including former Formula 1 driver Jean-Pierre Beltoise. It opened in 1986, with its route shaped around the slopes of a natural valley near the Pyrenees.
Major improvements in 2015 and 2016 included resurfacing work, modern pit garages and upgraded safety facilities.
When was its first race?
Public records do not clearly identify one inaugural race meeting, but competition began soon after the circuit opened. Club events and track days were followed by the French Superbike Championship in 1989 and a French Formula 3 round in 1991.
Pau-Arnos held its first major international event in 1994 when the European Superbike Championship visited the circuit.
What's the circuit like?
- Constant elevation changes: Cars and motorcycles climb, drop and change direction throughout the lap, making some corner exits difficult to see.
- Technical rather than simple: The lap is short, but its linked corners leave drivers and riders little time to relax.
- Downhill chicane: One of the most memorable sections drops sharply as competitors brake and turn, drawing comparisons with a miniature Corkscrew.
- Narrow in places: The track varies from approximately 9 to 12 metres wide, so overtaking requires commitment and careful timing.
Good balance and precise positioning are more valuable here than outright power. A mistake at the beginning of a corner sequence can affect several bends that follow.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula 3: 1:14.510 - Jean-Christophe Boullion, Ralt RT33, 1991.
- French Superbike: 1:15.108 - Grégory Leblanc, BMW, 2026.
- WTCR Touring Cars: 1:19.837 - Frédéric Vervisch, Audi RS 3 LMS, 2021.
- FIM Sidecar World Championship: 1:20.105 - Harry Payne and Kevin Rousseau, ARS Yamaha, 2026.
- Pure ETCR: 1:22.568 - Philipp Eng, Alfa Romeo Giulia ETCR, 2021.
Race records should not be confused with faster qualifying, testing or demonstration laps.
What races are held here?
Pau-Arnos is best known for motorcycle racing, including French Superbike, Promosport, classic motorcycle competition and sidecars. It also hosts touring cars, sports prototypes, single-seaters, Caterhams and national club championships.
Its biggest international weekend came in 2021, when the WTCR and electric Pure ETCR championships both raced here. The FIM Sidecar World Championship made its first visit in 2026.
Why go?
The circuit's valley location allows visitors to appreciate its elevation changes more easily than at many flat venues. Its compact size also keeps the action close, while the Pyrenean foothills create an attractive setting away from a large city.
The venue includes a paddock, garages, karting, food facilities and a panoramic terrace. It is around 20 km from Pau, although travelling by car is usually the simplest option.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Panoramic terrace: An elevated view across the circuit and its natural valley.
- Downhill chicane: Watch competitors manage braking, balance and rapid changes of direction.
- Main straight and grandstand: Best for race starts, finishes and activity around the pit lane.
- Paddock: Some events include public access, providing a closer look at the teams, cars and motorcycles.
Grandstand, paddock and terrace access can vary between meetings. Check the event organiser's spectator information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit Pau-Arnos (France)
Circuit Pau-Arnos is in the countryside around 20–25 km west of Pau in south-west France. Driving is the easiest way to visit, with access from the A64 and A65 motorway network. Visitors without a car can take a TER train to nearby Artix or travel to Pau and arrange a taxi for the final journey.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is the simplest way to reach Pau-Arnos. The circuit is close to the A64 and A65 motorway network but the final section uses smaller rural roads.
- From Toulouse or Bordeaux: approach Pau using the A65/A64 and use Exit 9.1.
- After Exit 9.1: follow signs towards Sault-de-Navailles and Dax on the D945 before turning towards Circuit Pau-Arnos.
- From Bayonne: leave the A64 at Exit 9 Artix and follow signs through Artix and Cescau towards the circuit.
- Navigation: search for “Circuit Pau-Arnos”.
Save the official address as 1 Camin deu Circuit, 64370 Arnos, France. Follow circuit signs on the final approach because older event guides warn that navigation systems can sometimes choose unsuitable local roads.
Getting there by train
Artix is the closest useful railway station and is served by TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine trains.
- Take a TER train to Artix. Current services connect with Pau, Dax, Bayonne and other regional destinations.
- Continue by pre-booked taxi from Artix to the circuit.
- Arrange your return journey in advance because taxis are unlikely to be waiting at the circuit after every event.
For long-distance travel, Pau station is usually easier because it has more rail connections. From Pau, complete the journey by taxi or rental car.
Flying in
Pau-Pyrénées Airport (PUF) is exceptionally convenient for a rural circuit, at roughly 12 km from Pau-Arnos.
- Rental car: the easiest option for travelling between the airport, accommodation and circuit.
- Taxi: practical because the distance to the circuit is relatively short.
- Into Pau: the airport also has public transport towards the city if you are staying there first.
- Alternative airports: Tarbes-Lourdes and Biarritz can also be useful depending on available flights.
If your main reason for visiting the region is motorsport, Pau Airport plus a rental car is one of the simplest travel combinations.
Parking
Pau-Arnos has extensive paddock and vehicle areas, but spectator parking arrangements depend on the individual event.
- Major races: follow temporary signs and marshals to the appropriate spectator parking area.
- Competitors: use controlled paddock areas and separate vehicle passes.
- Different events: car racing, motorcycle racing and track days can use different access arrangements.
- Arrive early: the final rural roads can become busy during major championship weekends.
Do not assume that parking arrangements from a previous race will apply to your event. Check the organiser's information before travelling.
Overnight stays
The circuit does not operate a simple year-round public campsite, but overnight vehicle parking may be permitted with prior approval.
- Permission: the circuit's regulations require advance authorisation for overnight parking.
- Open fires & barbecues: prohibited within the circuit grounds.
- Nearby accommodation: the circuit lists hotels around Pau, Lescar and Pau Airport.
- Local options: guesthouses and gîtes are available much closer to Arnos and the surrounding villages.
If you want to stay in a motorhome or inside the paddock during an event, check the event regulations rather than assuming overnight access is included with your ticket.
Where to stay
Pau offers the largest choice of accommodation, while several smaller towns west of the city provide a shorter race-day journey.
- Pau: best for restaurants, hotels and railway connections.
- Lescar: west of central Pau and convenient for the motorway approach to the circuit.
- Artix: useful if you want to stay closer to the circuit and have access to TER trains.
- Arnos & nearby villages: offer guesthouses and gîtes for the shortest possible journey.
The circuit currently lists several partner hotels around Pau and Lescar, as well as smaller accommodation close to Arnos.
Understanding the circuit
Pau-Arnos is very different from the famous street circuit in central Pau. It is a permanent racing facility built into a natural valley with significant elevation changes.
- Main circuit: 3.030 km.
- Width: approximately 9–12 metres.
- Direction: clockwise for the main competition layout.
- Licence: FFSA Grade 3, with FFM homologation for motorcycle racing.
- Alternative layouts: five shorter configurations can be created from the main circuit.
- Facilities: 30 pit boxes plus karting and multi-activity tracks.
The hilly layout includes blind corners and large elevation changes, which is why Pau-Arnos is considered particularly technical despite being only just over 3 km long.
Race-day tips
- Do not confuse it with Pau-Ville: Circuit Pau-Arnos is a permanent circuit outside the city; Circuit de Pau-Ville is the historic street course in central Pau.
- Drive if possible: it makes the rural final journey considerably easier.
- Pre-book taxis: especially when using Artix or Pau railway station.
- Arrive early: popular motorcycle events can create queues on the final approach roads.
- Prepare for changing weather: the Pyrenean foothills can bring sunshine, rain and cooler conditions during the same weekend.
- Bring hearing protection: particularly for children and spectators close to the track.
For a first visit, staying in Pau, Lescar or Artix and driving to the circuit is the easiest plan. Without a car, take a TER train to Artix and arrange the final taxi transfer before race day.
Parking, paddock access, overnight stays, admission and spectator entrances can change between events. Check the official Circuit Pau-Arnos calendar and your individual event information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit Pau-Arnos (Arnos, France)
Whether you’re visiting for car racing, motorcycle action, a track day or karting, Circuit Pau-Arnos sits in the quiet Béarn countryside with historic Pau, Pyrenean scenery, local food and easy family outings all within reach.
Family-friendly highlights around Pau
- Karting at Pau-Arnos: The circuit has a separate karting facility, making it an easy extra activity without leaving the venue. Check opening dates, booking requirements and age or height restrictions before arriving.
- Château de Pau: Explore the historic castle where King Henri IV of France was born, then wander through the surrounding gardens and old streets.
- Boulevard des Pyrénées: A nearly 2 km promenade through central Pau with wide views towards the Pyrenees. It is free to explore and ideal for an easy walk.
- Pau Funicular: The short funicular railway links the railway-station area with the upper city and Boulevard des Pyrénées. It is a simple, fun ride for children and adults.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau: A manageable city-centre art museum with works from several major European schools - useful when the weather turns wet.
- Château de Pau: The furnished interiors make the castle a good indoor option as well as one of the city’s main historic sights.
- Les Halles de Pau: Head to the covered market for local produce, snacks and an easy introduction to the food of southwest France.
Eat & drink like a local
- Pau city centre: The streets around the old quarter, Château and Boulevard des Pyrénées have plenty of cafés, casual restaurants and terraces for an evening after the circuit.
- Les Halles de Pau: A good choice for breakfast, lunch or picking up regional produce without needing to understand a long French menu.
- Jurançon wine country: Vineyards spread across the hills south of Pau. Many producers offer tastings, but opening arrangements vary and booking ahead is sensible.
Look out for Béarn specialities including garbure, local cheeses and dishes based around duck. Jurançon is the best-known local wine.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Parc Aquasports - Stade d'Eaux Vives: Pau's purpose-built white-water centre offers activities including rafting, canoeing and kayaking, with options suitable for newcomers.
- Boulevard des Pyrénées: An easy choice for a morning walk or gentle run, with the mountain views clearest when the weather cooperates.
- Jurançon hills: The countryside south of Pau is good for relaxed drives and walks through vineyards and rolling foothills.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Zoo d'Asson: A family-friendly wildlife park near the Pyrenees with mammals, birds and other animals. Allow at least half a day.
- Grottes de Bétharram: Explore underground chambers, rock formations and an underground river between Pau and Lourdes. The visit includes unusual sections by boat and small train.
- Lourdes: Famous worldwide as a pilgrimage destination, but also worth visiting for its riverside setting, historic centre and views towards the mountains.
- Ossau Valley: Head deeper into the Pyrenees for mountain villages, walking routes and dramatic scenery. It works best as a full-day outing.
Good to know when visiting Pau-Arnos
- Do not confuse the circuits: Circuit Pau-Arnos is a permanent race track in the countryside. It is different from the Circuit de Pau-Ville street circuit used for racing in central Pau.
- A car is useful: Pau-Arnos is a rural venue and most nearby sightseeing is easiest by road. Pau is the most practical base if you also want restaurants and evening entertainment.
- Check spectator access: Not every track day, test or training session operates like a public race meeting. Check the circuit calendar and event information before travelling.
- Prepare for changing weather: Conditions near the Pyrenees can change quickly, so sunscreen, water and a light waterproof layer are useful even on a promising day.
Opening hours, circuit access, karting sessions and attraction schedules can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.