Les Casetas de Pau

ℹ️ Event discontinued in this format. Les Casetas de Pau organized by the Automobile Club Basco-Béarnais have not been held since 2024. The concept of gourmet pavilions and concerts on Place Clemenceau has been taken over by the City of Pau under a different name and with a different operator.

Les Casetas of the Automobile-Club: a festive village alongside the Grand Prix

Les Casetas de Pau was a festive and popular event that transformed Place Clemenceau, in the heart of Pau, into a party village for about ten days in May. Organized by the Automobile Club Basco-Béarnais in collaboration with the Union des métiers de l'hôtellerie (UMIH Béarn et Soule) and the City of Pau, this event was traditionally associated with the Pau Automobile Grand Prix and enlivened the period between the two race weekends.

A village of casetas

The concept of casetas was inspired by the festive traditions of the Southwest and the Basque Country. About fifteen casetas — small ephemeral bars-restaurants — were set up on Place Clemenceau (and previously on Place Royale until the 2016 edition), each offering its specialties: tapas, pintxos, local Béarn products, and regional drinks. The friendly and festive atmosphere invited tasting and sharing.

Music and free concerts

Every evening, Place Clemenceau transformed into an open-air music stage. Free concerts enlivened the evenings with a varied program mixing current music, popular songs, Latin, and festive music. As night fell, the square became a real dance floor where all generations gathered until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

A free and friendly event

Les Casetas de Pau were entirely free and open to all. The event opened during the day from 11 AM and continued into the evening. It was a privileged moment in Pau's life, a space for conviviality where residents and visitors gathered in an atmosphere of shared celebration, with entertainment relayed by France Bleu Béarn.

Concept transmission since 2024

Since 2024, Place Clemenceau hosts a new gastronomic and festive event, « Clémenceau en fête », organized by the City of Pau with the operator Créa-SUD. The formula, the organizing team, and the identity differ from those of the former Casetas de l'Automobile-Club, even if the spirit (gourmet pavilions, ephemeral catering, evening musical entertainment on Place Clemenceau) remains comparable. The official website casetas.fr also states « New contacts, New concept, New date ».