Ideally located halfway between the sea and the mountains, at the heart of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the historic capital of Béarn invites you to discover its many treasures!
An emblematic monument of the city, Pau Castle was in turn a fortress of the Viscounts of Béarn, a castle fort under Gaston Phoebus and a royal residence in the Renaissance. It is famous for being the birthplace of Henry IV, King of France and Navarre, in 1553. Now converted into a national museum, this majestic building is a listed Historic Monument and houses an impressive collection of Flanders and Gobelins tapestries from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries! The prestigious "room of a hundred covers" and its immense oak table, the King's chamber and his tortoiseshell crib, and the apartment of the Empress Eugenie, with its delicate Sèvres porcelain, turn a visit here into an unforgettable journey through time. Pau Castle also has a landscaped park with wonderful Renaissance gardens, ideal for a leisurely stroll... A haven of tranquillity where you can enjoy a short break before continuing with your exploration of the medieval side streets in the historic city centre.
Then head to the lovely Beaumont Park with its beautiful trees, and be sure to go via the unmissable Boulevard des Pyrénées. A real panoramic balcony, this 1,800 metre-long walk offers wonderful views of the Pyrenees mountaintops in fine weather...Splendid!
When you arrive at Pau, human capital, you will be enchanted by this exceptional panoramic view of the Pyrenees. The Béarn capital offers a unique route through parks and gardens on Pyrenean backgrounds. Climbing up the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées offers the opportunity to discover places of relaxation and history. A heritage from the 19th century English period, Beaumont Park is a green setting that now houses the magnificent Beaumont Palace, a historic convention center. Very quickly, you are in the heart of a dynamic city center, totally renewed, notably with the Hédas district, a pretty walk bordered by vegetation and playful facilities. A night visit is a must!
And then, we do not forget the first golf course of the continent 1856, the 2nd most important equine training center, its whitewater stadium unique in France for aquatic activities on the banks of the river Le Gave de Pau, its Museum of Fine Arts… and its gastronomy with the many restaurants and the brand new Pau hall, a colorful daily market.
A symbol? It would certainly be the birth of the most beloved king of the French, Henri IV, who was born in 1553 in the magnificent castle of Pau…
Today, a new wind is blowing in the capital of Béarn! A creative, cultural, economic and sporting impetus takes hold of the royal city. This dynamic territory, where life is good, is becoming one of the most attractive in France!
Many major events throughout the year:
- Horse racing Grand Prix in January.
- Béarnais Carnival in February.
- Historic and Modern Automobile Grand Prix in May.
- Tour de France.
- Free Summer Concerts at Pau in July.
- Street Arts Festival and Hestiv'Oc Festival in August.
- Pau Stars (CCI Riding *****) in October.
- Literary Encounters Ideas Lead the World in November.
- Festival of lights and its Christmas market in December...
Quilles de Neuf : un Coup Réussi !
- From 13 february to 3 may 2024
- Avenue Gaston Lacoste, Usine des Tramways
- This exhibition recounts the history and practice of a game that became famous throughout the southwest of France in the 20th century. In all the villages of Béarn, plantiers abounded, and quillous became famous, led by the 12 figures. Come and discover an exhibition combining tradition, history, objects and archives. - Presented by an archivist on Saturdays February 17, March 9 and 23,2pm to 4pm
Exposition Missak Manouchian
- From 21 february to 24 april 2024
- 4 Rue Despourrins, Musée de la résistance et de la déportat
- Heroes of the Resistance - This exhibition pays tribute to Missak Manouchian, a French resistance hero of Armenian origin
Les Rencontres du Parvis Mars Avril 2024
- From 1 march to 30 april 2024
- Centre Leclerc - Espace Culturel, av Louis Sallenave
- March and April programme at Le Parvis
Exposition: Allures-Mouvement de Nicole Bourda
- From 4 march to 28 april 2024
- 19 Rue Bourbaki, Espace Dantza
- Nicole Bourda is a visual artist who favors touch, movement and lightness. The digital drawings - Presented at Espace Dantza are "traces" in the wake of the clay sculptures that initially - That preceded them. "My gesture comes from listening to the material, which I approach in the manner of a fabric. There is always - A real concern for the body behind the kneading hand, a pre-existing form."
Avril aux Halles
- From 1 to 30 april 2024
- 8 rue Carnot
- April program at Halles de Pau and Passage Carnot.
Les Rendez-Vous des Patrimoines - Avril à Juin 2024
- From 1 april to 30 june 2024
- Place Royale
- Events, meetings, conferences, tours and urban walks from April to June 2024.
Avril aux Halles et Carnot
- From 1 to 30 april 2024
- 8 rue Carnot
- April program at Passage Carnot : Sauts Béarnais, Jéma, swing dance…
Le Mois du Son : Coup de Coeur Sonores
- From 1 to 30 april 2024
- Médiathèque Trait d'Union, Rue du Parc en Ciel
- Biblio64 and its partner libraries present the second edition of the Month of Sound, whose theme for 2024 is "sound body". - Musical selections - A selection of music for an invitation to well-being : "What song do you think best embodies relaxation ?
Programme de l'Espace de Rencontre du Foirail
- From 1 to 30 april 2024
- 45 Rue Carnot, Espace de rencontre du Foirail
- Monthly program of the Foirail meeting space
Musée National du Château de Pau - Agenda Culturel Avril
- From 1 to 30 april 2024
- Musée national du château de Pau
- Full March program
