The 12 things to do in Pau

Are you planning a stay in the Bearnese capital? Here are the 13 essential things to do in Pau

At the feet of Pyrenees , a few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and Spain, the city of Pau arrives regularly in the head peloton of the cities of France, the most pleasant to live. The first traces of the city date back to the Gallo-Roman era, but it is only in the twelfth century that the city appears as such. In the 16th century Pau became the seat of the kingdom of Navarre and welcomed the birth of the future Henri IV. At the Belle Époque, the city of Pau is experiencing exceptional development, thanks to the influx of wealthy tourists, who come to enjoy the climate of the city, its casino and its baths.

From this glorious past, the city of Pau retains a prestigious heritage, of remarkable quality. But it’s not as far as the city rests on its laurels. Dynamic and student, she regularly hosts and organizes major cultural and sporting events such as the Tour de France. The city is also one of the main centres for new technologies in France.

A weekend in this pretty town of Pau tempts you? Here are the 13 essential things to do in Pau.

1. The old town of Pau

First unmissable visit to Pau: the old town! Take a look at the small streets lined with charms and charms. With its cafes and restaurants, you will be immediately immersed in the atmosphere of the city and enjoy the main tourist attractions of Pau.

2. The castle of Pau

Pau Castle, also known as Gaston Fébus fortress, is one of the most important monuments to visit in Pau. This feudal castle was built in the 10th century and was the birthplace of the future King Henry IV. Other famous characters have passed through this castle: Napoleon III, Catherine de Navarre and Louis-Philippe, to name only them! You will access the Royal Apartments and the Cents Couverts Hall, before you finish your visit to the Renaissance gardens and the castle park to, in particular, enjoy the view of the city and the Gave.

3. Baumont Park

What to do in Pau when the sun shines? Organise a picnic in Baumont Park, beautifully designed by Henri Martinet in 1898. You can relax in the shade of one of the centenary trees that adorn this park of English style. Walk around the lake, take a break in the music kiosk, and attend a show in the green theatre. For lovers of random games, know that the Beaumont Palace, located in the park, houses a casino.

4. Boulevard des Pyrénées

Visiting Pau necessarily passes through a tower on the boulevard des Pyrénées, the most famous of the city. To do this, go to Pau Station, where you will take the funicular, which will deposit you directly on the boulevard, completed in 1900, and which offers its visitors a breathtaking view of the chain of the Pyrenees .

5. Places of the city

Continue your journey through Pau by discovering the many places that the city counts. Direction, first of all, the famous Royal Square, to admire the town hall and the statue of King Henri 1. Then head to Queen Marguerite Square for a little shopping. Finally, finish your tour of the city squares, by Clémenceau and its fountain Arts Déco.

6. The church of Saint-Jacques

Located in the heart of the city, close to the Palace of Justice, the church of Saint-Jacques was a long time a refuge for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. In a neo-Gothic style, the church has beautiful stained glass.

7. The Museum of Fine Arts

What to do in Pau when you are an art lover? Visit the Museum of Fine Arts of course! Built in 1930, it is the largest museum of fine arts in the region, after that of Bordeaux. The collections are varied and offer to discover Flemish, Dutch, French, Italian and Spanish art, from the late 15th century to the present day. Some works by Degas or Rubens are exhibited. You can also enjoy the many temporary exhibitions that are available throughout the year.

8. Le haras national de Pau

Here is a very impressive site to visit in Pau. Horse lovers will be filled. Built on the orders of Napoleon Bonaparte, the national haras of Pau offers to discover more than one hundred and fifty beautiful horses, of all races, on a domain of more than thirteen hectares.

9. The Bernadotte Museum

What to do in Pau on a rainy day? Visit the Bernadotte Museum, located in a typical 18th-century Bearn house. This museum retraces the incredible history of Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, the Empire Marshal of Napoleon Bonaparte, before becoming king of Sweden and Norway.

10. The medieval city of Lescar

Just six kilometers from Pau, this medieval town dates from the Gallo-Roman era. You will visit the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, also known as the Cathedral of the Kings of Navarre, erected in the 12th century by the Bishop of Lescar. You can admire a sumptuous rosace and many stained glass windows. Finally, you will also discover the tomb of the Kings of Navarre, the ramparts, a 14th century prison tower, a Chanoines college and a small museum with historic furniture.

11. The tower of the giants

In fact, these are interactive terminals, which can be accessed via QR codes and a mobile phone, located in the old Pau biker and presenting the different winners of the Tour de France. A nice and original discovery to make in Pau.

12. Local wines and cheeses

Would you like a little glass of Jurançon? This liquorous white wine, known worldwide, is currently produced by more than three hundred and fifty wine growers. For the little story, this wine was served at the baptism of the future Henri 4. You're more like red wine? Go to the Madiran grape varieties. Visits to Pau absolutely, with moderation of course! And why not accompany your tasting of a cheese from the country? The Ossau-Iraty is a delight, don’t hesitate!

How to get to Pau?

To visit Pau, several transport solutions are available to you.

By car

Pau is easily accessible by car. To reach the city from Bordeaux, you will take the Gascogne A 65 motorway on about two hundred kilometers. From Toulouse, it will be enough to travel two hundred kilometers on the Pyrenean motorway A 64. Finally, Pau is accessible from Paris via the A 10 motorway, about eight hundred kilometres away. And, for a more ecological holiday, have the reflex carpool!

By train

Take about six hours from Paris to reach Pau by train. Nine links are planned each day by the SNCF. Daily trains and TGV service directly Pau, from Toulouse, Bordeaux, Bayonne, Dax and the city of Lourdes.

By bus

Several companies, including flexiBus or OuiBus, provide bus routes from the main cities of France. The journey is sometimes long, but the cost is often very advantageous. Ask these companies to find out the details.

By plane

To get to Pau by plane, you can book a flight for the Pau-Pyrénées airport, via the flight comparison Ulysses . Air France provides three connections a day, starting from Paris Charles de Gaulle, and six, leaving Orly. Several flights per week are also available from Lyon, Nantes or Marseille. Finally, a flight per week is scheduled from Nice, Nantes, Strasbourg or Lille. Don’t forget: to get the best rates, be sure and book your flight in advance.

Once at the airport, you can reach the city centre of Pau through the bus line number 10.

Where to stay in Pau?

To visit Pau in all peace, it is essential to choose your accommodation well. The center is the best area to sleep in Pau, to fully enjoy the main tourist attractions. There are a few hotels and private apartments available for rent. For those who have a comfortable budget, the Trespoey district, to the east, can be an interesting option to visit Pau easily, while being quiet. The fans of concerts, sports and horse racing will probably opt for the north of the city, near the Zenith, the Hippodrome and the Palais des Sports.

And you, do you know the city of Pau? Share with us in comment your musts !