1000 years of history
Pau is a town of lush green parks and gardens. It is also the gateway to the mountains with its sublime view over the snowy peaks of the Pyrénées. Its history and monuments are remarkable, for example the château de Pau which has witnessed its ups and downs in history which you can explore at your own pace.Take your time; wandering around the little streets in the centre of the town is a real art and there are another 750 ha of parks and gardens to lift your spirits. The castle of Pau faces the Pyrénées and the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. It dominates the city set on its rocky heights over the river (where you can hire a kayak!)
Visiting the château will take you back to the Middle Ages meeting up with Henri IV the first king of France and Navarre and travel the centuries to our own times. Around its walls, along the Boulevard des Pyrénées and beyond, you're walking in the 19th century when it was a holiday resort frequented by the English aristocracy.
The Palois way of life
A walk in Pau offers markets and pockets of producers where you can taste local products: cheese, vegetables and fruit from our orchards, preserved duck, foie gras and local wines. Because Pau sits at the centre of a winegrowing area which is rich and diverse: Jurançon, Pacherenc, Madiran and AOC Béarn.
The century old rack railway which carries over 450,000 amazed visitors every year links the centre of the city with the tumbling river straight from the snowy mountains. The music of its waters accompanies you into this relaxing yet vibrant city.
The city is also a cultural centre where the arts and sports flourish each year based on events like the Carnaval Béarnais, the motor racing Grand Prix, Summer in Pau, and Hestiv'Oc, Henri IV's anniversary.
Pau an entirely different time and space for moments you’ll never forget !
