Pau

City · New Aquitaine, 🇫🇷 France

Population 80,441

Area 31 km²

Time zone Europe/Paris

Official website www.pau.fr

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Featured Lists

Flo641 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Pau Essentials

Pau's identity is anchored by the Château de Pau, the 16th-century birthplace of King Henry IV. The city is famous for the Boulevard des Pyrénées, a 1.8-kilometer promenade offering panoramic views of the mountain range. This selection features the historic Funiculaire de Pau, which connects the railway station to the upper town, alongside neo-Gothic churches and the Musée Bernadotte, located in the childhood home of the Napoleonic general who became King of Sweden.

9 places

Flo641 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Historic Churches of Pau

Pau’s religious architecture reflects a diverse history, ranging from the neo-Gothic grandeur of Église Saint-Martin and Église Saint-Jacques to the unique 19th-century Anglican Saint-Andrew’s, a vestige of the city's British heritage. The landscape includes the understated Église Réformée, representing the region's Protestant roots, and 20th-century additions like the Art Deco-influenced Église Saint-Joseph and the contemporary Église Saint-Pierre, showcasing the evolution of ecclesiastical design in the Béarn capital.

6 places

UnknownUnknown author / Public domain

Historic Heritage of Pau

Explore the architectural evolution of Pau through its most significant landmarks. The collection features the medieval Château de Pau, the 16th-century birthplace of King Henry IV, alongside grand 19th-century structures like the Hôtel de Gassion. Religious heritage is represented by the Neo-Gothic Saint-Martin and Saint-Jacques churches, and the Anglican Saint-Andrew’s, reflecting the city's historical British influence. The list also includes the Musée Bernadotte, dedicated to the Pau-born soldier who became King of Sweden.

7 places

Authentic Regional Dining

Pau's culinary scene is rooted in the rich traditions of the Béarn region. This selection highlights establishments serving authentic local specialties such as poule au pot, garbure soup, and Pyrenean cheeses. From historic brasseries near the Palais Beaumont to modern bistros sourcing ingredients from the Halles de Pau, these restaurants focus on southwestern French flavors, often paired with regional Jurançon wines and featuring outdoor terrace seating.

10 places