CCI5 Pau France International Competition Guide | USET Foundation
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation

Gladstone Events  |  Contact Us
Charity Navigator 4 Star Rating
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram
Gladstone Events
Contact

CCI5* Pau, France

Pau, FRA
October 23-26, 2025

EVENT OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Print 🖨 PDF 📄

Venue Address

Domaine de Sers
64000 Pau, France

Competition Schedule

For the complete competition schedule, click HERE.

Venue

There are only seven 5-star eventing competitions in the world, and Pau is the only one in France. This is the highest level of sport in existence: the world’s greatest riders come to battle it out on Pau’s tracks every year, and it’s a great thrill!

The equestrian venue is southwest of the center of Paris.

Accessibility

For people with reduced mobility arriving by car, follow the P2 signs on the D 834.

Tickets 

All spectators must purchase tickets. Information on tickets including how to purchase can be found HERE.

Hospitality

For information on hospitality options, CLICK HERE

Parking

Free parking:  Entrance on the D 816 departmental (county) road.

VIP parking: Follow the P1 signs on the D 834 (accreditation will be required).

For people with reduced mobility: Follow the P2 signs on the D 834.

Transport

Public Transport: Fébus is Pau’s primary public transport system. It’s a BRT line powered by hydrogen, featuring large, comfortable buses that run on dedicated lanes, giving it a “light rail on wheels” feel.

Taxi: Taxis use meters calculated by distance and time.

Rental Vehicles: For automatic vehicles, it is recommended to book a rental car with a large rental agency.

Ride-Sharing: There are apps that can be utilized in the town of Marnes-la-Coquette to request a vehicle such as Uber, G7 Taxi, Tictactrip, and BlaBlaCar. The advised and safest method of travel is by taxi or car arranged by a hotel.

Weather

Average weather for October

  • High Temperature: 65°F
  • Low Temperature: 50°F
  • Rainfall: 3.5”
  • Humidity: 81%

Suggested Clothing

October is when the weather begins to cool down in France. It is recommended to bring layers as the mornings and evenings can become chilly and at least one waterproof jacket.

Food & Drink

Tap water in France is generally safe to drink. You may, however, prefer bottled or filtered water for improved taste.

Stay away from raw foods and un-bottled drinks, unless in a reputable restaurant as a precaution.

Visas

Due to start in October 2025, U.S. citizens and non-E.U. nationals will need to complete The Entry/Exit System (EES) for all short-term stays to European countries. Registration and biometric data collection will be completed at a border control kiosk at the arrival airport. More information about EES can be found HERE. Please be sure to check any visa requirements.

Airports

Pau Pyrénées Airport (BCN) – 10 mi / 16km from the venue

 

Vaccinations

In accordance with the CDC and USOPC recommendations, you may want to consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine.

Please note it takes approximately two (2) weeks to maximize immunity.

About 

Montardon is located in southwestern France about 10 miles north of the center of Pau. It is a commune in the Pyrénées Atlantiques and is known for its multiple sporting facilities. As of 2022, Montardon has a population of 2,420 people. More information about Pau can be found HERE.

Places to See

There are many things to see and do in and around Pau. For a guide, CLICK HERE.

Accommodations

There are many local accommodation options. Below is a partial list of nearby hotels. For more options CLICK HERE.

HOTELWEBSITEDISTANCE FROM VENUE
Ostal Hotel Website 3.6 mi / 5.9 km
All Suites Appart Hotel Website 3 mi / 4.8 km
Hotel Park Beaumont Website 5 mi / 8 km
Emergency Services: 112

Hospitals & Emergency Services

NAMEADDRESSWEBSITE
Hospital Center François Mitterrand De Pau 4 Boulevard Hauterive 64000 Pau, France Website
Hospital Center D'oloron SainteMarie 1 Avenue Alexander Fleming 64400 Oloron-SainteMarie, France Website

Incident Management Guidelines

The key to good security is vigilance. Be aware of what is happening around you and always pay attention to anything that appears unusual or out of place. This includes people who appear nervous about their surroundings.

Security

In general, France is a safe country for its residents and visitors. However, security perception changes greatly by district. If you have any doubts or need to report an incident, you can rely on the Police.

Responsible care should be exercised when traveling throughout France. There is a normal level of crime in Marnes-la-Coquette, but it varies by district. Travelers should keep valuables out of sight and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid isolated areas when on foot, especially after dark. It is recommended to only use a trusted taxi or an app-based taxi service. Do not hail a taxi on the street.

Assailants usually target victims for their smartphones, wallets, or purses. If confronted by someone with a weapon, it is best not to resist.

ATMs and Credit Cards

It is best to use ATMs inside banks instead of ATMs that are more accessible to passers-by and all banks advise customers to cover ATM keypads with their hands when entering codes.

When making credit card transactions, travelers should expect the vendor to use a credit card reader in their presence.

Safety List

  • Make a copy of your passport or real ID and travel documents and leave the original in a safe place.
  • Always travel in groups.
  • Do not overtly wear expensive jewelry.
  • Keep your phone hidden.
  • Do not carry excessive amounts of cash or credit cards if you do not need them.
  • If you are in a vehicle in standstill traffic with the windows rolled down, keep phones and other possessions low and away from windows and be mindful of people walking through the traffic.
  • Do not approach unattended bags, cases or packages – report them.
  • Do not accept packages from anyone, the contents of which are unclear.
  • Do not advertise where you are staying.
  • If you are out in the evening and you become aware of increased police activity, leave the area immediately.
  • If you see an incident involving the police, do not get involved. Do not play the good Samaritan.
Emergency Services: 112

Currency and Exchange

The euro (EUR) is the official currency of France. The symbol for the euro is €. There is a currency exchange service in the city center of Pau, CHANGE by Fidso – Bureau de change Pau.

Currency slang includes but is not limited to: • Euro(s) – “Balle(s)”

Local Business Hours

Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Banks: Generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Monday through Fridays. Some banks are open on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Shopping centers tend to be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted. Use of debit cards is widespread, although some stores may impose a minimum per debit card purchase, and service charges may apply.

Travelers Checks

Traveler’s checks are not commonly used in France. It is best to use an ATM card at the many ATM locations available in Montardon in the absence of cash. 

Currency and Exchange (continued)

Important considerations for exchanging currency:

  • Avoid Airport Exchange Counters: These locations typically offer the least favorable exchange rates and highest fees due to their convenience factor.
  • Compare Rates: Check current exchange rates online and compare the rates offered by different exchange providers to ensure you get the best deal.
  • Beware of “Zero Fee” Services: Offers of “no commission” or “zero fees” can be misleading as the cost is often built into unfavorable exchange rates.
  • Consider Using ATMs: Using a debit card to withdraw local currency from an ATM can offer better rates than exchanging cash, especially if your bank has partnerships with local banks in Spain. Remember to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being flagged for suspicious activity.
  • Pay in Local Currency: When using a credit or debit card for purchases, choose to be charged in Euros to avoid unfavorable conversion fees that may be applied if you choose to pay in your home currency.
  • Utilize No Foreign Transaction Fee Cards: Consider using a travel debit or credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees when making purchases. 

 

Tipping

Tipping in France is not mandatory. However, leaving a small tip, such as rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros, is a common and appreciated way to acknowledge good service. 

  • Restaurants: Tipping is optional and not expected as the bill will include a 15% service charge.
  • Transport: Tipping taxi drivers is not required although it is considered polite to round up to the nearest euro.
  • Hotels: Tipping at hotels is optional.

STEP

When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens may enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

ABOUT THE SERVICE Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. 

BENEFITS

  • Get real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
  • Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
  • Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.

Time to complete: 20 minutes

 

Consulate

Should you need to contact the U.S. consulate, the nearest one is the U.S. Consulate in Marseille. CLICK HERE

U.S. Consulate Marseille
Place Varian Fry
13006 Marseille

+33143122222

Language

French is the official language and most widely spoken language in France, which 88% of the population speak. English is the second language spoken which a little under 25% of the of the population speak.

Communications (phone, WiFi, and internet)

Cellphone reception is typically good. Most of the country is covered with 5G systems. Contact your phone provider for more information on Sim Cards and International Data Plans.

Electrical

Power in Germany operates on a 230-volt current and a 50 hertz frequency. Electricity will be supplied through a Type C (two round pins), and Type E (two round pins with two earth clips).

Universal Power Adapters can easily be purchased before travel.

Food

French cuisine has a long tradition and has contributed to many different cuisines around the world. Dishes are created from local high-quality fresh ingredients and are often considered to be lighter meals.

Some Popular Dishes Include

  • Beef Bourguignon – A stew of beef braised in red wine, often red Burgundy, and beef stock, typically flavored with carrots, onions, garlic, and a bouquet garni, and garnished with pearl onions and mushrooms.
  • Coq au Vin – A dish of chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and optionally garlic. A red Burgundy wine is typically used, though many regions of France make variants using local wines, such as coq au vin jaune, coq au riesling, coq au pourpre or coq au violet, and coq au Champagne.
  • Ratatouille – Ratatouille is a vegetable stew dish which originates from Nice in the south of France. The dish uses tomatoes as its base and includes several vegetables which are sautéed separately then added to the stew which is then baked. Vegetables included are onions, zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant and squash.
  • Raclette – “Raclette” is name of a cheese that’s used in an entire meal that’s also referred to “raclette.” Raclette originated in Switzerland and consists of melting cheese onto a plate and accompanying it with potatoes, gherkin cucumbers (cornichons), pickled onions and ham or prosciutto. 
  • Streak-frites – A piece of steak served with French fries. This is often considered the most typical French dish. A piece of steak, often a rib eye (entrecôte) is pan fried in butter and served “saignant” or bloody with a mountain of chips. Hollandaise and béarnaise sauces are both served with steak-frites. Both France and Belgium claim steak-frites to be their national dish.
  • Cassoulet – A dish that originates from Southwestern France. The dish consists of white beans cooked with various kinds of meat including pork sausage, goose, duck confit and mutton. The dish is slow cooked in a special dish called a “cassole” and was originally a dish of the peasants. The specific kind of meat used varies depending on the city.
  • Escargot – Escargots (snails) simply baked with butter mixed with crushed garlic, parsley, shallots, and a splash of white wine.
  • Quiche Lorraine – A savory tart with a filling of eggs, cream, and smoked bacon.
  • Macaron – A small, delicate almond meringue cookie filled with ganache, buttercream or jam.
  • Tarte Tatin – A classic French pastry, traditionally made with apples caramelized in butter and sugar and then baked under a layer of puff pastry. After baking, the tart is inverted to reveal the golden-brown fruit.

Local Restaurants

There are many local restaurant options. This list below is a sample of some local restaurants close to the venue. For a more extensive list, CLICK HERE.

RESTAURANTADDRESSDISTANCE FROM VENUE
Au Bon Coin 125 Av. des Martyrs du Pont Long 64140 Lons, France .3 mi / .5 km
Le Meiling 110 Rte de Bordeaux 64121 Serres-Castet, France .6 mi / .96 km
Don Pablo 2 Av. Normandie Niemen 64121 Serres-Castet, France .8 mi / 1.28 km