HIPPODROME DE PAU
The racecourse was inaugurated in 1842, and the first races were held the same year.
In 1999, a 2,250-meter-long fiber-sand track was created, including a 400-meter straight and east-west extensions of the obstacle courses.
A major renovation campaign of the grandstands began in 2006. The existing structure was expanded and modernized on the south side, and the interior was completely redesigned across five levels, offering nearly 7,000 square meters of space. In addition to a 2,500-seat grandstand, the racecourse now includes a heated 1,000-square-meter hall with a bar and dining facilities.
The fiber-sand track was renovated in 2019, following a construction project lasting nearly five months. Pau was the first racecourse in France to adopt this technology.
FPFP Labeling
Key strengths
BIODIVERSITY
- Development of green spaces on the site, the “green lung” of downtown Pau.
- Partnership with professionals and local authorities.
- Protection of living species on the site.
- Numerous tree species present on the site.
- Limitation of light and noise pollution.
- Member of the “Réseau Haies France” for the planting and maintenance of hedgerows.
SOIL MANAGEMENT
- Centralized Technical Management (GTC) via onboard beacons and sensors.
- Composting and shredding of green waste.
- Rational use of watering and fertilizers.
- 70% of fertilizers are organic matter.
- Practical crop tests with bacteria as alternatives to mineral fertilizers → improving the soil life cycle.
- Regular aeration, sanding, and overseeding to preserve soil quality.
- Sorting of organic waste on-site.
FOOD MANAGEMENT
- Service provider contracts with CSR criteria.
- Awareness-raising about waste (donation of unsold goods via an app, or volunteer and staff meals).
- Promotion of local and seasonal products.
- Evaluation of suppliers’ level of commitment.
- Labeling of product origins.
GOVERNANCE
- Five United Nations SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) integrated into the site’s objectives.
- CSR policy displayed on the website.
- Annual CSR/Environmental action plan.
- Clear and committed leadership from management.
- Regular employee meetings on the topic.
- Internal code of good practices: HiPauResponsable.
