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NATIONAL MUSEUM AND ESTATE OF THE CHÂTEAU DE PAU

Castle – Château
4.2/5
23 review

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2, rue du Château, 64000Pau, France
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2024
Recommended
2024

National museum housing works and objects listed in its inventories, with contemporary paintings and sculptures

This residence, which was the birthplace of Henri IV in 1553, now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the town and the life of the sovereign. Built in the Middle Ages as a royal residence, the Château de Pau is a blend of Renaissance and classical styles.

Château de Pau has its origins in a feudal castle built on a first wooden fortification before the 11th century. Gaston Fébus turned it into an impregnable fortress in the 14th century. Château of the kings of Navarre and royal palace, the Renaissance added its architectural innovations: kitchen, courtyard of honor (paved and renovated), balconies... The only thing missing is the fabulous gardens that Jeanne d'Albret and Antoine de Bourbon created for the birth of their son Henri IV. Although he didn't live there long, his tortoise shell cradle is still there! Under Louis-Philippe, total restoration of the complex began, followed by extensive work under Napoleon III.

Now the Musée National d'Art et d'Histoire, you can visit a section devoted to Henri IV. You can explore the rooms where the king was born, discover personal objects that once belonged to him, and learn more about his reign and achievements. Some 12,000 works and objects are listed in the inventories, and the collections are extremely rich. The Gobelins tapestries and furniture, which recreate ceremonial apartments, as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures, are all part of the museum's reputation. After your visit to the museum, take a stroll in the estate's garden, which offers a magnificent view of the Pyrenees: an ideal place for a quiet stroll and a break in the shade of the trees. Finally, discover the historic French garden, with its flowers and kitchen garden, preserved and maintained by 12 expert gardeners. The Musée National and Château de Pau are historical and cultural gems well worth exploring. By combining the fascinating history of the château with the rich collections of the museum, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of this region. Regular cultural events and educational activities are organized for visitors of all ages. Self-guided or guided tours are available, and temporary exhibitions are sometimes organized. Check the program on the website to find out what's on during your visit.

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Members' reviews on NATIONAL MUSEUM AND ESTATE OF THE CHÂTEAU DE PAU

4.2/5
23 reviews
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The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.

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potter34
Visited in july 2019
Value for money
Service
Originality
A voir absolument
même, si je réside à Pau, j'y retourne tous les ans, lieu superbe, très belles salles et très jolies tapisseries.
itoLandes
Visited in march 2019
Value for money
Service
Originality
Belle visite historique
La visite du château de Pau est incontournable pour celui qui visite la ville du bon roi Henri. La visite guidée est très bien faite, avec nombre d'anecdotes et de détails intéressants.
Visited in february 2019
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Incontournable!
Les visites guidées (possibles en anglais, allemand ou espagnol pour les amis) sont joyeuses et intéressantes. Y aller par beau temps pour profiter des points de vue sur les Pyrénées!
MBSP
Visited in april 2018
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Service
Originality
Visite très intéressante
Un très beau château, belle visite intéressante, mais avec un groupe trop nombreux dû aux horaires de visite un peu contraignants.
csandy
Visited in april 2018
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Originality
Guided tour of a very interesting hour. The interior is furnished with beautiful tapestries, but not only. It is a pretty building both internally and externally. Don't forget to walk in the gardens (free visit)

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