Lons is a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, 5 km north-west of Pau which it borders.
Its territory of 11 km² is bordered to the south-west by the Gave de Pau, some of its tributaries and several ponds which run along the river. This area is moreover classified "Natura 2000" because of its biodiversity (in particular for its ornithological richness).
Other parks and natural spaces have been preserved which are proving to be green lungs contributing to the preservation of a pleasant living environment despite the town's population growth. A simple village at the dawn of the 20th century, Lons now has nearly 13,000 inhabitants. Urbanized areas cover 50% of its area, and industrial and commercial areas 24% (a dairy product factory is located in particular).
In the immediate vicinity of the capital of Béarn, Lons has a leisure offer (culture, sports) that deserves attention within the Pau conurbation...
In terms of heritage, the city has two churches: the first dates from 1846, dedicated to Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and the second, the Saint-Julien church, was built from 1936 and completed in 1950 to meet to population growth. Designed according to the plans of the architect Henri Challe, the building was built in concrete and cut stone. It has a nave bordered by two aisles and a choir covered by an octagonal dome. It should be noted that the monumental bell tower originally planned for the facade was ultimately not erected. The interior presents a very rich decor made up of murals, mosaics, windows, and original furniture. The set was made by the Mauméjean Frères workshop. With great architectural and decorative unity, the church listed in the Inventory is a fine example of the Art Deco style.
On the cultural side, the Espace James-Chambaud with its contemporary architecture and whose vocation goes beyond the municipality alone, includes a performance hall that can accommodate up to 750 spectators and a music school. Information on programming on +33 5 59 72 01 53.
The media library was inaugurated in 2008 and regularly schedules events (meetings, readings, conferences) and exhibitions. Contact on +33 5 59 11 50 45.
In the atrium of the town hall, rich artistic exhibitions are also hosted throughout the seasons. Information on +33 5 59 40 32 32.
In another register, to the north of the city, is located the Memorial Museum of Paratroopers. The establishment which depends on the Army wants to be the depository of the memory of the French paratroopers. It traces their involvement in all conflicts since the Second World War, and presents the history as well as the traditions of these elite troops. The course includes five tables organized chronologically with explanatory videograms. From the entrance, a sound sequence and a life-size plane plunge the visitor into the atmosphere of a jump in the middle of the night…! Conferences and temporary exhibitions are also offered throughout the year. Open every day (except public holidays). Specific reception for groups. Free admission. Information on +33 5 59 40 49 19.
For athletes, the city has a variety of facilities.
One of the jewels is the Aqualons swimming pool which has two pools dedicated to swimming but also fun equipment (45-meter long slide), well-being (whirlpool bath, hammam, counter-current swimming) and Fitness. Open every day. Adult entry: 8.60 euros. Information on +33 5 59 32 83 01.
Several centers in the locality are partly accessible to visitors and holidaymakers. The Moulin sports complex thus includes squash courts and a climbing wall, and on the Plaine des spots, right in the city centre, there are stabilized football pitches, mini-basketball and handball courts, a orienteering course, a fitness course, a horse-riding course, tracks for rollerblading and skateboarding and a beach volleyball court!
Tennis courts are available within the Georges Martin complex: reservation with the club on +33 5 59 62 85 60. from the mill).
Fishing enthusiasts are also at the party: they take advantage of the Gave de Pau and the neighboring rivers, but can also use the Iktus domain, a vast private pond of 35 hectares rich in sturgeons and carp. This body of water is the largest freshwater fishing center in Europe, the only lake to offer fishing for around a hundred sturgeons of 18 different varieties as well as many record-breaking carp. Information on +33 5 59 83 81 40.
Many hikes are possible on or from the territory. Thus, a plan for walking and cycling called "Par-ci Par-Lons" is available at the town hall or from the tourist office of the agglomeration. Loops and secure routes obviously make it possible to reach Pau. Maps and information on +33 5 59 40 32 32 or +33 5 59 27 27 08.
Every Wednesday, the market is held on Place Deytieux and highlights the products and gastronomy of Béarn.
On the second Sunday of April, "Perlic en Fleurs" around the lake of the same name celebrates the arrival of spring with fun activities, concerts, exhibitions and sales of flowers and plants, craft and local market, convivial meal.
On the second Saturday in June, "Festi Plaine" offers a triathlon, eco-sports activities, a concert and then fireworks.
The first Sunday of September, book fair.
The second Saturday of September, association forum.
Exposition d'art Plastique
- From 9 to 25 april 2024
- Hôtel de ville, Place Bernard Deytieux
- - Corinne BETBEDER (origami sculptures) - - Christine LABADIE (painting)
Exposition d'art Plastique
- From 30 april to 16 may 2024
- Hôtel de ville, Place Bernard Deytieux
- LEGO sculpture : - by Nicolas Rigolini and Kévin Gremillet
Espace Chambaud - Cirque Chorégraphié "Le lac des Cygnes"
- On 16 may 2024
- Allée des Arts, Espace Chambaud
- To the music of Tchaikovsky ? S Swan Lake, rearranged in a contemporary musical score, five circus dancers form an astonishing community of swans. Both composer of film music and initiator of a choreographed circus, Florence Caillon offers a circus version of this mythical ballet, rich in new movement. Between illusion of love and recognition of the other, Swan Lake is alternately inspired by animal gestures and human behavior, reminding us of our interdependence with the living world and the fragility of life.
Nuit Européenne des Musées au Musée des Parachutistes
- On 18 may 2024
- Chemin d'Astra, Musée mémorial des parachutistes
- Two exhibitions => Diên Biên Phu Hommage aux combattants + Les paras dans la Libération ; - - A chance to explore the museum ; - - A fun trail for children => they will be given a "jump book" and will have to look for the "Pépin" logo in the display cases to find the answers to their questions. - - An introduction to skydiving => children will be equipped like real parachutists, and will climb aboard the Noratlas, an aircraft that lands on the ground. Inside, they will be briefed by a pilot dressed in period costume and shown a jump video, before jumping out of the aircraft (mattresses will be laid out on the ground).
Les Ateliers de Création de Lons Accueil
- From 21 may to 6 june 2024
- Hôtel de ville, Place Bernard Deytieux
- Lons Accueil association workshops, painting, framing, mosaics ?
Exposition sur le Général De Gaulle
- From 11 to 20 june 2024
- Hôtel de ville, Place Bernard Deytieux
- Fondation de la France Libre and Union Nationale des combattants, Général de Gaulle "Mémoires et Souvenirs"
1001 Cordes !
- On 23 june 2024
- Esplanade de l'hôtel de ville, Place Bernard Deytieux
- The program for this 6th edition features world music, popular music and dance music. The public is warmly invited to participate. - More than 200 musicians await you : from the Conservatoire, El Camino and the - music schools of Lons and Montardon.
Exposition de Peinture
- From 25 june to 11 july 2024
- Hôtel de ville, Place Bernard Deytieux
- Paintings by Gabrielle Furlan
Exposition de Peinture
- From 17 july to 1 august 2024
- Hôtel de ville, Place Bernard Deytieux
- Paintings by Sandra Frougier and Jennifer Le guen,
