The very first thing you discover about Pau is the area. In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of the brand-new big area of Nouvelle Aquitaine, the city is surrounded by lovely mountains. From here it’s a brief drive through the magnificent National Pyrenees Park to the border with Spain and simply 125 km (77 miles) or around a 90-minute drive from the leading seaside resort of Biarritz on the Atlantic Coast.

A Really English City

Pau ended up being the capital of the kingdom on Navarre in 1512. Its royal status was protected through Henry of Bourbon. Born in Pau Castle, he ended up being King of France in 1589.

3 centuries later on Pau was found by a Scottish physician, Alexander Taylor, who revealed it as the location for treatments of all type of disorders due to the terrific oceanic environment, damp and warm in the winter season, and simply wonderfully warm in the summer season. The English followed the rather suspicious physician’s suggestion and in the 19th century, gathered here, bringing with them all the English previous times: horse racing, croquet, cricket, and fox-hunting. The very first 18-hole golf course in Europe was developed here in 1860, and it was likewise the very first to confess females to its variety.

The structure of the trains brought other countries to this city next to the mountains while the French discovered Pau simply as appealing. Pau ended up being the most stylish resort in western Europe and stayed so up till 1914.

In 1908, the Wright siblings got here in Pau to produce the very first pilot’s school worldwide. Practically all the significant pilots in World War I trained here in the 5 schools around the city.

Stroll the Streets

The main old part of Pau is pedestrianized, so it’s an enjoyable, unwinded city to walk. The Boulevard de Pyrénées makes the very best beginning point with views to the nation on one side and the stunning mountains on the other. There’s a lot of great shopping in the République quarter, both mall and private shops.

The Château Musée National

Just a little part stays of the initial keep integrated in 1370. The structure was completely taken control of by Louis-Philippe and Napoleon III in the 19th century and well refurbished. There are just French assisted trips, however even if you do not comprehend much, it deserves adopting the magnificent interiors and series of Gobelin tapestries held on the walls to impress previous visitors and keep the location warm. And you can roam the spectacular gardens totally free.

Rue du ChâteauTel.: 00 33 (0 )5 59 82 38 02

Musée Bernadotte

The completely normal soldier Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte was born here. You can see the story of how he battled in Napoleon’s armies, ended up being Maréchal and wound up as King Charles XI of Sweden.

The Musée National des Parachutistes includes shows committed to the history of parachuting, especially handling the armed force.

Flight

Pau-Pyrénées airport is served by other French cities and some European locations, so to get here, you will need to fly from Paris, Lyon, Marseille or other French cities. There is a per hour shuttle from the airport into the center of Pau.

Train

There is a direct train to and from Paris.

Where to Stay

The contemporary Hotel Parc Beaumont is the very best hotel in Pau with leading features and a swimming pool. Splash out on a space with a view of the mountains.

The Bristol transformed from a 19th-century rental property, is a main and comfy 3-star hotel with a balcony.

The 2-star Hotel Montilleul is a inexpensive and modest alternative outside the primary center of town. Comfy spaces and totally free parking.

The Hotel Roncevaux is a previous abbey transformed into a comfy hotel.

Where to Consume

La Brasserie Royale is a leading brasserie with excellent worth, standard menu. There’s likewise a balcony for outside dining.

Les Papilles Insolites is a half dining establishment, half red wine bar and great. Pick from a big choice and consume in the intimate dining-room.