What are the best things to do in Pau?

Located at the gateway to the Pyrenees, the town of Pau is a welcoming place. The birthplace of King Henry IV, it is steeped in history, monuments and tourist attractions. But it’s also a sporting town, where you can run for miles in the wilderness, play a game of tennis on a flat lawn, cycle or rollerblade in the pedestrian areas… There are plenty of fantastic and varied activities if you’re thinking of spending a holiday in this part of south-west France. Ready for a quick diversions?

What to do in Pau

1. Pau Castle

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Pau is the birthplace of King Henry IV. He was born in the dignified feudal fortress that is the Château de Pau, built in the 10th century. Renovated in the 14th century by Gaston Fébus, the immense residence became a typical Renaissance château. You can take a guided tour of the castle with a museum officer. He or she will show you the different rooms in the castle, what they were used for, how they were used… You’ll follow a general itinerary that will take you back in time. So, are you ready for an epic journey through time? Pau Castle is located on “rue du Château”, and is open every day from 9.30am to 9.45am, and from 2pm to 5pm.

2. Boulevard des Pyrénées

Category: Cultural/Sporting

Description: When you think of the Boulevard des Pyrénées in Pau, you have to think of it as a huge balcony where you can enjoy the breathtaking view over the mountain range. This is what the mythical Boulevard des Pyrénées really is, the majestic link between Pau Castle and the Palais Beaumont. You can get there easily by taking the funicular, although many brave souls like to get there on foot! It’s a lovely walk of almost 2 kilometres that you can do at any time of year to admire the intense, deep landscape. The Boulevard des Pyrénées is right in the middle of the town, and is freely accessible all year round.

3 – Sports and adventure activities

Category: €€/Sporty

Description: As we said earlier, Pau is a sporting city. You can try absolutely everything, whether on land or water! To get the most out of the city, we recommend renting a bike for a day so you can explore all the nooks and crannies. It’s a fun activity to do with the family, and a romantic one for couples. Around midday, you’ll have no trouble taking a short break from your journey, and stopping off outside a restaurant to eat a local speciality on the terrace, taking in the pretty view. You can also take a horse ride, and get away from the city to explore the wilderness that surrounds Pau. And why not spend an afternoon suspended in the trees on a zip line at least forty metres above the ground? Let’s get crazy!

4. Parc Beaumont

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Pau is a beautiful city, and if you’d like to take a break from sightseeing for just one morning, we strongly recommend a visit to the Parc Beaumont. This green space was laid out in 1898 by Henri Martinet, making it an excellent spot for a romantic picnic! It has a lovely lake, a bandstand, colourful flowers that reveal themselves to the world like a ballet dance, curious little animals… It’s like being in a cartoon! If you don’t know what time of day to go, we recommend you try it at the end of the day, around 5pm. The sunset is magical! Parc Beaumont is on Rue Barbanegre, and is open every day at all hours.

5. Saint-Jacques Church

Category: Cultural

Description: Right in the middle of the town, close to the Palais de Justice, stands the church of Saint-Jacques. Why does it stand out from the other churches in particular? Well, it was actually a place of refuge for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Inspired by the neo-Gothic style, it was built between 1861 and 1868, and since then it has attracted visitors every year who come to lose themselves in this immense edifice of sculpted spandrels, robust walls, luminous stained glass windows and decorative paintings. A true work of art! Admission to Saint-Jacques church is free, and it’s open every day from 8.30am to 7pm. It’s a magnificent place, with a somewhat electric and mysterious aura that usually leaves visitors pensive.

6. Stroll around Pau’s old town

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Of course, this may seem obvious. It goes without saying that when you visit a city, it’s a good idea to wander through its oldest streets, isn’t it? You can stop off at a café and enjoy a delicious glass of wine, with a few slices of cheese on freshly baked bread. Then, after your little snack, why not stop off in a quiet place to chat with the locals? You’ll have the chance to meet new people and forge friendships that will last for as long as Pau lasts! Immerse yourself in a warm and serene atmosphere…