Pau

Pau, situated in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of southwestern France, is a city with a profound historical and geographical identity. Historically, it was the capital of the County of Béarn and later the Kingdom of Navarre. The city gained prominence in the 16th century when Jeanne d'Albret made it her residence, and it became the birthplace of her son, Henry IV, in the Château de Pau, who famously wished that every peasant might have a chicken in the pot on Sunday. In the 19th century, Pau became a fashionable spa destination for European royalty and aristocracy, attracted by its mild climate and the therapeutic properties of the local waters, and a large British colony settled here. This era left a lasting architectural legacy, with grand hotels, villas and the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées. The city also played a role in the French Resistance during World War II. Today, Pau is a dynamic university city and a hub for sports and tourism, particularly for those heading to the Pyrenees, and it has a distinctly Pyrenean outlook.

The main attractions in Pau reflect its royal and mountain heritage. The Château de Pau is the city's most iconic landmark, housing the National Museum of the Château de Pau, which displays artifacts related to Henry IV and Béarnese history, including a large collection of Gobelins tapestries. The Château's gardens offer views of the Pyrenees, and the Place du Palais lies at its foot. The Boulevard des Pyrénées is a wide, tree-lined avenue lined with Belle Époque hotels and restaurants, offering mountain views, with a funicular linking it to the lower town and the station. Pau's own main churches include the Église Saint-Martin and the Église Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague. The Musée des Beaux-Arts houses a collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by local artists and notable European masters, and the Musée du Vieux Pau covers local history. The Les Halles de Pau, or Marché Central, is a covered market where visitors can sample local products, including Jurançon wine and Ossau-Iraty cheese. The Parc Beaumont and the Théâtre des Arts are other places named in local guides, and the Gave de Pau river offers opportunities for walking and cycling along its banks.

Pau offers various activities for visitors interested in history, nature and sports. The city is a starting point for hiking and climbing in the Pyrenees, with numerous trails accessible from the city center. The nearby Gorges du Gave de Pau offer dramatic scenery and hiking opportunities. The Pau Golf Club, founded in 1856, is one of the oldest golf clubs in continental Europe. The city also hosts the Pau Grand Prix, a historic motor racing event held on a street circuit in the spring. The local cuisine features Béarnaise specialties, including confit de canard, garbure, the herb and egg sauce that takes its name from Béarn, and the gribiche sauce listed locally, along with Jurançon wines. The surrounding region offers opportunities for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The nearby town of Oloron-Sainte-Marie is known for its cathedral and Basque culture, though it lies more in the Béarnaise valleys.

Getting to Pau is convenient via train, with services connecting it to Paris and other major French cities, though some are not direct TGV trains. The train station is located in the lower town, with a funicular up to the center, making it easily accessible. For those traveling by car, Pau is connected by the A64 motorway. The best time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is warm and pleasant, ideal for exploring the outdoor attractions and hiking trails. July and August are the warmest months, with average highs around 26°C, but also the busiest. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making them suitable for sightseeing and wine tasting. Winter is mild but can be rainy, offering a serene atmosphere for indoor museum visits.