The Royal Square

As you get off the funicular at the top of Pavillon des Arts, you are immediately rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding area. The Royal Square has only been open to the landscape since 1808, when Napoleon ordered it to be enlarged. The square was originally laid out in 1686, as in many French cities, to honour the Sun King and make way for the statue of Louis XIV. But as you can see, it’s not Louis, but Henri who sits between the two rows of well-trimmed lime trees. The statue of Louis XIV was actually melted down during the Revolution, and it was Louis Philippe who asked for a work representing the good king Henri IV to be installed. At the end of the square, you will find the town hall. It was once a theatre built on the foundations of a church that was never finished! They tried hard but it was never enough! The construction of Saint-Louis church began in 1686 and should have lasted 5 years, yet a century and a half later, it still hadn’t been completed. The funds allocated were constantly diverted to other needs. No one can be blamed for trying after 150 years! The church walls that had already been built, were turned into a theatre, with a large ballroom and a casino. Beautiful private mansions were added to this venue. In the 19th century, ” being from the Royal Square ” meant being part of the upper crust of society. To this day it remains an important square in Pau.