Top 10 Things To Do In Pau

Top 10 Things To Do In Pau

Pau is a charismatic city located in the southwest of France. It is strategically positioned on the northern edge of the Pyrenees Mountains and boarded by the Gave de Pau River. The town cropped up likely in the 11^th century after the construction of its castle by the Viscounts of Béarn. In 2011 Pau was awarded the label of city of Art and History. Pau is famed for being the birthplace of the late King Henry IV. The people of Pau are known as Palois.

In the words of Alphonse de Lamartine: “Pau has the world’s most beautiful view of the earth just as Naples has the most beautiful view of the sea.” Pau has an exceptional landscape with its dramatic mountain range of the Pyrenees as well as the hills of Jurançon, the green hills of the Pyrenees and the palm trees. Discover 10 interesting things to do in the spellbound city;

Pau Castle

Pau Palace – Flickr

The castle is famous for being the birthplace of Henry IV, king of Navarre and King of France. Originally the castle was a fortress of the Viscounts of Bèarn. In the 16^th century the castle was converted into a royal residence by Marguerite of Angouleme, sister of Francis I and her husband Henry II of Albert. Since 1840 the castle has been declared a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture.

The Pau castle is the most visited heritage site of the French department of Pyrénéed-Atlantiques. The castle is located on a rocky hill overlooking the Gave River. The castle’s Renaissance architecture reflects the architectural history from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century. The castle exhibits a remarkable collection of well-preserved works from the time of Henry IV including decorative artworks, royal tapestries from the 16^th to the 19^th century and even a tortoiseshell that is said to have been Henry IV’s crib.

Boulevard Des Pyrenees

Boulevard Des Pyrenees – Flickr

The boulevard was fashioned at the suggestion of Napoleon I in the late 19^th century years. It connects the parc du Beaumont in the East to the Château de Pau 800m to the West and runs a terrace at the top of the cliff above the Gave River. There are small panels all around the boulevard that point out and describe each mountain.

The boulevard provides a stunning view of lined palms, terraced gardens cascading down the valley, 19^th century architecture, snow-covered peaks of Pyrenees Mountains and the beautiful meandering Gave du Pau River through the marshy valley. At the end of the walk you can go and enjoy the parc de Beaumont with it wide with it serene garden, flower beds and waterfall.

Funiculaire De Pau

By Jérémy-Jean – Own work – Wikimedia Common

The railway was brought to Pau in 1863 however construction of the railway line began in 1906. The funicular became active in 1908. The funicular railway connects the Gare de Pau and the Boulevard des Pyrénées. The service has been free of charge to its customers since 1978.

Today the trains come every three minutes and operate from 6:15am to 9:00pm Monday through Saturday and in the afternoon on Sundays and public holidays. The current cabins date from 1961 and were renovated at the end of 2006. Enjoy the stunning view climb from the station to the Boulevard des Pyrénées.

Lac D’Uzein

Lac D’Uzein – Flickr

The lake is located about 10km north of the city of Pau. The site of the lake and the other surrounding wetlands are part of the last remnants of the Pont Long Moorland. A wooden trail along the woods will lead you to this remarkable lake.

The site of the lake offers a relaxing change of environment which will act as the best weekend gate away, picnic site or simply camping site. Enjoy the calming sound of the lake as it flows, the sweet singing on the birds and the cool air breeze coming from the lake.

The Sweet Fairy Jam Museum

Francis Miot – Facebook

The Sweet Fairy Jam Museum was founded by Francis Miot. The five times award-winning jam craftsman is known internationally for his delicious range of jams. Francis claimed to inherit his taste and recipe for the perfect jam from his maternal grandmother.

This is a heaven paradise for all sweet tooth out there. Learn about the history of jams and view the various jams available. The best part of the museum is that they actually conduct a workshop during guided tours on how to make the jam. Yes, you leave the museum knowing how to make this international satisfied delicious delicacy. The museum also exhibits several types of honey, chocolates and other mouth-watering delicacies.

Saint Pierre De Pau Church

Saint Pierre De Pau Church – Pierre Emmanuel Micheal

Architecture is one of the ways that we can truly see how man has been able to evolve in his thinking and practices. Taking the example of churches; we can’t deny that many of the medieval church architectural designs were among the best of their time. Up to date people still get mesmerized and inspired by their architecture. However, we have to appreciate modern architecture that is also great.

The Saint Pierre de Pau Church is a great example of modern catholic architecture. Built entirely by grey concrete and slates. The Octagonal shaped church represents the growth of architecture across time.

Musee Des Parachutists

The École des troupes aéroportées – Facebook

The museum is located at the entrance to the school of Airborne Troops Lons Pau. It was created in 1964 and dedicated solely to the French Airborne troops during the 2^nd world war. Later in 1984, it was established as a museum. Today the museum also represents the current Airborne Troops.

The museum has a vast collection including 69 life-sized mannequins of soldiers from the 2^nd world war, dressed authentically with all there gears. Weapons, equipment and vehicles from this period are also on display. It also has a multimedia projection rooms which showcase films, depicting the heroism and bravery of the French troops during the wars.

The Gassion Hotel

The Gassion Hotel – Flickr

This is a grand hotel with a grand story behind it. The hotel was built between 1867 and 1872 for Jean Lafourcade Camarau, the eldest son of a peasant family. The hotel was built under impulse after Jean earned 2 million gold francs in Brazil. The hotel was to satisfy the needs of increasing visitors to the city.

Today the hotel is an apartment complex which offers 6 different sized apartments for visitors. The hotel serves as a reminder that even the smallest of people can do the greatest of things. A peasant child grows up to build a grand hotel that has stood the test of time.

Manor House of Momas

Manor House pau – Wikimedia Commons

This former seigneurial residence is located 16km North of Pau. Today it is known for its rare trees collection in its botanical gardens. The garden itself is divided into various sections; white garden, Herb garden, vegetable garden, orchid garden and so on.

The garden also acts as a sanctuary for rare species of birds. It’s a great place for bird watching with its tranquil atmosphere.

Stade D’eaux Vives

stade d’eaux vives pau – Wikipedia

This is where you enter the realm of water queens and kings. This Aquasports Park is located at the banks of the Gave de Pau. It began construction in 2006 and opened its doors to the public in April 2008. The park is known to offer paddling and all whitewater sports. The park is the home training ground facility for the French national canoe slalom team.

Get your heart pumping by participating in one of the sports; kayaking, rafting, paddling or hydrospeed.