A tourist guide to Pau will tell you: there are thousands of reasons to visit this city, and you'll quickly discover that there are almost as many to love it. Its relaxed lifestyle makes it one of France's favorite cities. Its palm trees and exceptional gardens give it a unique atmosphere, further enhanced by the view of snow-capped peaks. The birthplace of Henri IV, its royal heritage has left it with a rich heritage and irresistible architecture. A cultural city with one of France's finest Zeniths and a Fine Arts Museum, unique events such as the F1 Grand Prix and the Tour de France, the capital of Béarn is lively all year round, which explains why 12,000 students choose its renowned universities. So what's there to do and see in Pau? Petit Futé gives you its 13 must-sees.
1. Stroll through the historic heart of Pau
What better way to discover the historic heart of Pau than a stroll from Place Royale to the Bernadotte Museum, via Boulevard des Pyrénées? From historic monuments to breathtaking panoramas, this is one walk you'll really want to take. The ideal starting point for this tour is Place Royale, where the statue of Pau-born King Henri IV takes pride of place. Nearby, his medieval château, transformed into a royal residence in the 16th century, stands near the Boulevard des Pyrénées, offering spectacular views of the mountains. From the Gothic cathedral to the Bernadotte Museum, the birthplace of a Napoleonic marshal who became King of Sweden under the name of Charles XIV, the historic district takes you back in time to one of the most beautiful towns in the Pyrenees.
2. Go to Pau National Museum
The château, where Henri IV was born in 1553, is now a museum dedicated to the history of the city and the life of the sovereign. Built in the Middle Ages as a royal residence, the Château de Pau combines Renaissance and classical styles. Today, the château is a national museum of art and history, with a section dedicated to Henri IV. You can visit the rooms where the king was born, discover personal objects that belonged to him and learn more about him. After visiting the museum, take a stroll through the estate's garden, which offers a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. You'll also discover the French garden, with its flowers and vegetable patch, tended by 12 skilled gardeners.
3. Stroll through Parc Beaumont, one of Pau's most beautiful spots
This park, located in the heart of the city, is one of Pau's most fabulous sites. The people of Pau make it their life's work, transforming this exotic island into a veritable institution. As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, they flock to the park and its lawns, whether with family, friends, lovers or for an impromptu picnic. Majestic trees such as California redwoods, Himalayan cedars, Judas trees, Indian and Balkan chestnuts and magnolias create an incredibly exotic setting. Created at the end of the 19th century, during the Belle Époque, this beautiful romantic park has been rehabilitated in 2019. It's Pau's green lung, where people love to stroll, walk or simply dream.
4. Visit the Bernadotte Museum
Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, a native of Béarn, founded the dynasty of today's Scandinavian royal family by becoming King of Sweden and Norway in 1818. His birthplace, a magnificent building constructed around 1730, tracesthe extraordinary career of this remarkable man, who also served as Marshal of the Empire. Over two floors, you'll discover this rich history through documents, lithographs, original engravings, paintings and objects that trace his rise from Pau to Stockholm. The rooms have retained their antique character, with 18th-century furniture, including an authentic Béarnaise kitchen with period furniture and household objects. The salon is particularly impressive.
5. The Museum of Fine Arts
A must-see in the heart of Pau. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau is one of the largest in Aquitaine, with collections of paintings and contemporary art. Housed in a building designed by the architect Ruiller, the museum offers a thematic display renewed each year ("Contemporary", "Revolutions"). The collections offer a rich panorama of European artistic creation, from the end of the 15th century to the present day. You'll discover masterpieces from the Flemish, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and French schools. Among the artists on show are Rubens, Degas, El Greco and contemporary artist Jacques Monory.
Looking for an unusual activity to do in Pau? Get ready for a breathtaking bungee jumping experience by booking this bungee jump from the Arudy viaduct, near Pau.
6. Go to the famous "Le Berry" bistro
Le Berry is a well-known address in Pau. The dining room is elegantly decorated in black, gold and white, with chic Art Deco-style chandeliers. The menu features the great brasserie classics, with a wide choice of grilled meats with home fries, fresh fish and oysters, omelettes and salads, croque-monsieur, andouillettes and kidneys in Madeira sauce. All dishes are prepared with quality ingredients. The service is very efficient, with an almost retro brasserie atmosphere. This restaurant is a sure bet in the city of Pau. From starter to dessert, you won't be disappointed. A must-see!
7. Visit Notre-Dame church
Located in the heart of the town, Notre-Dame was built in 1913 as a tribute to Our Lady of Lourdes. The work, financed by donations, resulted in an imposing 50-metre steeple, requiring 600 kilos of bronze for its bell. Interior decoration continued until 1933. The stained glass windows, created by the Maumejean workshop in Hendaye, are of remarkable finesse, with dominant blue and red tones, and are mainly dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary, evoking the key events in the life of the Virgin Mary. The interior is spectacularly decorated with sculptures by Ernest Gabard, notably that of the Virgin and Child, 7.50 meters high and weighing 17 tons, and the two holy-water fonts. The building's heterogeneous ensemble combines modern aspirations with 19th-century heritages.
8. What to do in Pau Visit the church of Saint-Martin
Built in 1863, the Church of Saint-Martin was designed by Strasbourg architect Emile Boeswillwald, who also restored the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. His plans were inspired by the Latin cross to evoke Christ on the Cross. Situated at the gates of the château, the church is topped by a 77-metre steeple and built of Arudy and Angoulême stone. The paintings and sculptures are the work of renowned artists such as Steinheil, Flandrin, Geoffroy-Dechaume and Michel-Pascal. Saint-Martin also boasts a Werner organ and a remarkable carillon. The church's treasury contains a number of precious objects donated by Queen Isabella when she fled Spain in 1868.
See also our article The 15 most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees
9. Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Orthodox Church
Nestled at the end of a wooded garden, this Orthodox church is the third oldest in France, after those in Nice and Paris. Founded in 1867 by Russians taking a holiday in the Béarn region, the church is discreet, lacking the characteristic domes of Russian churches. However, the interior boastsa magnificent collection of icons from St. Petersburg, recalling the history of the Russians in Pau, which dates back to the 17th century. The church can be visited by appointment, and it is also possible to attend the liturgy, a three-part celebration.
10. Le Tour des Géants, a museum in tribute to the racers of France in Pau
This open-air museum, inaugurated in 2015, pays tribute to the riders of the Tour de France. Giant totems, representing the great names of cycling, reach for the sky, accompanied by photos and presentations on terminals. Made by the Gillet foundry in Albi, the oldest in France, these totems are destined to grow larger each year, generating a great deal of interest with each new addition. Each stele is equipped witha flash code for a detailed presentation. The legend of the Tour de France, which began in Pau in 1930, lives on in this memorial, already a must-see in the city.
11. Get a bird's eye view of Pau on the funicular
A trip back in time without spending a cent? That's what the funicular offers . As you leave the station, laden with a heavy suitcase, or after a stroll along the Boulevard des Pyrénées, treat yourself to a few minutes' ride in this carriage inaugurated in 1908 and meticulously maintained ever since. Kids love it! As you ride along, you can admire the Pyrenean mountain range and, beneath your feet, the riveted structure reminiscent of Gustave Eiffel's work. The carriage, accessible to people with reduced mobility and bicycles, is utterly charming, with its wooden benches and a driver who manually operates the doors on every journey. By car!
Another option for (even more!) height : book this panoramic flight over the Pyrénées-Atlantiques by microlight. Depending on the weather and your mood, you can choose between "pleasure", "passion" and "grandiose" flights , which will show you different facets of the Pau area and the Pyrenean mountains.
12. Family tree climbing in the Vert Tiges forest
In the heart of the magnificent oak grove of the Bastard forest, 3 kilometers of adventure await you! 12 courses, designed to appeal to everyone from the youngest 3-year-olds to thrill-seekers, are equipped with a clever system of two karabiners, one of which cannot be unhooked. The best safety conditions are ensured by adorable, qualified supervisors. Among the sensational "workshops" arethe two most difficult (the bear and the owl), with Tarzan jumps, high monkey bridges and log staircases that can be quite tricky. Laughter and adrenaline guaranteed!
13. What to do in Pau Taste the culinary specialties of Béarn
Pau, the capital of Béarn, is a must-see destination for food lovers. Among the local culinary specialties, don't miss the garbure, a thick soup made from vegetables and meat, ideal for warming up after a day of exploring. Chicken à la basquaise, with its spicy flavours and peppers, is another emblematic dish. Cheese lovers will appreciate Ossau-Iraty, a sheep's milk cheese with a unique taste. For desserts, the russe, a moist chocolate cake, and the pastis landais, a flaky pastry, are a must. Finally, accompany your meal with a glass of Jurançon, a dry or sweet white wine, for a complete culinary experience. We also recommend embarking on a culinary journey through the historic region of Béarn by booking this culinary walking tour of Pau.
Where to stay in Pau?
Pau, the capital of Béarn, offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. For those seeking comfort and luxury, there are several high-end hotels available in the city center, offering quality services and breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. Travelers looking for a more authentic ambience can opt for bed & breakfasts or gites, often located in charming houses or renovated farmhouses, allowing guests to discover local life and Béarn traditions.
Here are our favorites:
- Best value for money: Cit'Hotel Atlantic Hôtel
The Cit'Hotel Atlantic Hôtel is a hotel with free parking offering spacious, pleasant roomsat great value for money in Pau, which you can book right here. In the morning, our hearty, tasty breakfast is the perfect way to get the day off to a good start. Offering very good value for money, the establishment always welcomes guests in a friendly atmosphere. The staff will also advise you on what to see in and around Pau. A great address to discover!
- The cheapest: l'Ostal Pau Université
L'Ostal Pau Université is a hotel that offers great value for money, yet is conveniently located between downtown Pau and the A64 freeway. All rooms are equipped with free wifi access, TV and bath. Service and reception are impeccable, and the hotel is equipped witha 24-hour key dispenser to make guests' stay easier. Click here to to book your stay!
- The most luxurious: Parc Beaumont Hôtel & Spa Pau - MGallery
It's impossible to pass by Parc Beaumont without noticing the Parc Beaumont Hôtel & Spa Pau - MGallery, a magnificent MGallery-style hotel, all curves and glass. With a magnificent view of the Pyrenees, it boasts all the comforts of a 5-star hotel. In the lobby you'll find the armagnathèque, a collection of armagnacs. On the first floor, you'll find the Bambou spa, a heated swimming pool, a fitness area, a whirlpool bath, a hammam and a sauna. A luxury hotel to book right here.
Find below the trendiest activities to do during a stay in Pau:
What to do around Pau
The area around Pau offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover, perfect for lovers of nature, history and culture. Nearby, be sure to visit the Château de Pau, a medieval fortress transformed into a royal residence, which today houses a national museum. For nature lovers, the Bastard forest offers adventure trails and hikes in a magnificent oak forest. Wine lovers can explore the Jurançon vineyards and taste the region's famous white wines.
History buffs will also appreciate the Château de Morlanne, a well-preserved medieval fortress, and the village of Navarrenx, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages. For a more sporting getaway,the Pic du Midi d'Ossau offers spectacular hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees. Finally, don't miss a visit to the Zoo d'Asson, an animal park that will delight young and old alike. The area around Pau is rich in discoveries and promises unforgettable moments for all tastes.
