Pau city
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Pau, Clemenceau Square - by Gabriel Issembe on Google
Description
Pau is the capital of Béarn (a cultural province with its own dialect) in the southwest of France. It is best known as the birthplace of King Henri IV in the 16th century and for its strategic position at the foot of the Pyrénées mountain range, which makes it a regular finish and departure city for stages of the Tour de France cycling race. The city became fashionable with an influx of wealthy foreigners coming to spend the winter season around the end of the 19th century and until WW1 (during la Belle Epoque). The highlights include the Château de Pau and its surrounding neighbourhood, the Hedas Quarter, the Boulevard des Pyrénées with its funicular access, the Palais Beaumont (it now houses the casino and a convention center) and a few town squares and churches.
Access & Transport
It is located on the A64 expressway (Toulouse to Biarritz) and the A65 heading north to Bordeaux and is also on the train line between Toulouse and Bayonne or Bordeaux (splits in Dax). Pau has its own airport (PUF) about 10km northwest of the city in Uzein with mostly domestic flights.
Instructions & Recommendations
The castle is probably the main highlight and is covered in a separate activity review. The city is a good base to explore other highlights in Béarn in the various valleys of the Pyrénées. If you are there in the winter, it is within range for day-trips to one of several ski resorts.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy.
Conclusion
Pau is a city that has managed to retain some of its historical heritage and remain pleasant for visitors. There isn't anything very spectacular, but it can easily occupy an entire day and can be used as a launchpad to discover other regional highlights and activities such as cycling, hiking, skiing, rafting / canyoning, etc.
Key positive
A few streets with an historical character
Excellent base to visit other regional highlights
Key negative
No standout attraction besides the Chateau
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:5h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo