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Pau is nestled in the south western part of France in all its splendour and magnificent scenery.  Topped with its rich history and culture, there is no question as to why Pau is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Europe.  The place has a lot to offer regardless of which activity you want to engage into. Whatever gives you the kicks, Pau has got it all covered for you.

Pau is the fourth capital of the Béarn, and the finest city that lends itself as a window to the Pyrénées. Before it became the capital of the Bearn, Pau was once a pathway on the Gave de Pau, mountain river valley, for flocks en route to and from the mountains.  Pau’s strategic significance is partly accounted for by this easy access that it provides. In the 15th century Gaston Fébus built the main fortifications and started the château. It became the capital of the ancient Viscounty of Béarn in 1464 and of the French part of the kingdom of Navarre in 1512.

This elegant city offers a wide array of tourist attractions and a gazillion of activities to choose from.  As the road winds through the valleys and along the hill tops, you will be captivated by the beauty of each scenic view and it gets better and more dramatic as you travel inch farther.  I’m sure you will not want it to end!
For a uniquely one of a kind view, take an unwinding stroll down the streets with your back to a wondrous panorama.  I’m talking about the picturesque view that offers a heartwarming alternative to the winding roads, the Boulevard des Pyrénées.

If you want the feeling of looking down from the heavens, Château d’Henri IV affords you the highest viewpoint of the town.  From this magnificent place, you can see the river and the rest of Pau.  This once-upon-a-time home of the viscounts and Navarrese kings is now a national museum, the Musée Béarnais. This cultural museum has a myriad of collections—from costumes and various types of garments to preserved animals.  Among the showcased stuffed animals in the museum are Pyrenean, birds of various species—common and rare, a host of colorful butterflies in different shapes and sizes and species, and art forms objects depicting the varying forms of pastoral life.  If you are looking for a museum that gives you a glimpse of pretty much everything, this is the place to go.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is also a wonderful tourist spot.  Its impressive Gothic architecture proudly stands defiant as a testament to a glorious past and to an even more glorious present.

In a small town called Orthez, a quick drive from Pau heading northwest, is the beautiful fortified bridge in the 13th century.  The bridge still stands as the most significant commercial road or passage for the English, Aragonese, Flemish and other merchants and traders.

Musée des Beaux is one of the cultural attractions in Pau.  It is a museum featuring a sweet blend of very old paintings and the masterpieces of contemporary art.  This is a must-see for all art aficionados.

A local festival starting in mid-June and ends sometime around mid-July makes this place come to life.  This festival is called the Festival de Pau.  It is celebrated filling the château courtyard the Théâtre St-Louis with theatrical plays, concerts, ballet performances, and the reading of the poetry of the Festival de Pau.

Nightlife is so much fun in Pau.  Le Dakari, a famous night spot, is rated as one of the better and bigger clubs in Pau.  It caters to the people interested in the mixed dance-club scene.

A restaurant called La Fiancée du Desert, offers a stimulating blend of the food from Armenia and Lebanon. This restaurant has an appealing vegetarian “menu” included in the meals, sandwiches, and they also have lamb preparations.  One also has to try the highly recommended restaurant’s patio called L’Entracte.  Food here is served at a very reasonable price.

Aside from the usual tourist roundabout like sight seeing, one can also try any of the following activities—checking out and playing in the casino, fishing, golf, horse riding, walking and hiking, and a whole lot more.

Pau is a vibrant Bearnese city that is ideal for those stress-busting mountain side trips, sunset walks by the beach and a trek down the glorious French memory lane.  Oh, the sea breeze is an added bonus!  I can only say one thing—book your flight now!

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