Pau

Travel Guide
Pau
Visit this city of superb artwork and magnificent architecture set against a breathtaking alpine backdrop.

Amble slowly along roads lined with gently swaying trees and sit in a café overlooking snow-dusted mountains in Pau. Walk through the halls of castles laden with history and view paintings by some of Europe’s finest artisans.

Stand in the morning sun overlooking the river on the Boulevard des Pyrénées and note the dramatic clash between the lush palm trees overhead and the colossal Pyrenees Mountains standing silently in the distance. Enjoy superb French coffee and pastries in roadside cafés while you plan your day.

The perfect place to begin is at Pau Castle in the town center. Wander the tranquil gardens of this grand building and notice the contrasting faces of the exterior. The difference in architecture is due to the various building and restoration projects, which took place before and after the Renaissance. Don’t miss the west wing, which has one of the largest collections of tapestries in France.

From here head north to the Hedas quarter, one of the city’s oldest districts, to look inside the Bernadotte Museum. This is the former home of Jean Baptiste Bernadotte who not only fought for France under Napoleon but was also a hero in Sweden where he was given the throne in 1810. Discover more about this extraordinary man in a traditional Béarnais house that has remained unchanged since he left.

Walk east to the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The walls here are adorned with a range of works including masterpieces by Rubens and Degas. A short walk south will lead you to the spectacular Beaumont Palace with a neoclassical façade that is reflected wonderfully in a large pond.

Pau is a luxurious place with hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. Eat superb French food and enjoy evenings in artistically decorated bars. The city is in southwestern France, a 1-hour drive east of the Atlantic coast city of Biarritz.

Fine art and an enthralling history await among the scenery of the French Pyrenees in Pau.

Where to stay in Pau

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Centre Ville

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Centre Ville is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Château de Pau National Museum and Boulevard des Pyrenees.

Centre Ville
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Le Hameau

Visitors to Le Hameau enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Stade du Hameau is worth a stop.

Le Hameau
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Pau Nord

4/5(4 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the bars and shopping in Pau Nord. You might want to make time for a stop at Palais de Sports de Pau or Zenith de Pau.

Pau Nord
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Pau-Sud

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Pau-Sud. You might want to make time for a stop at Beaumont Park or Stade Nautique.

Pau-Sud
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Dufau-Tourasse

Though Dufau-Tourasse might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Beaumont Park and Palais Beaumont.

Dufau-Tourasse
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XIV Juillet

While there might not be top attractions in XIV Juillet, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Château de Pau National Museum and Boulevard des Pyrenees.

XIV Juillet
Kyriad Prestige Pau - Zenith - Palais Des Sports
Kyriad Prestige Pau - Zenith - Palais Des Sports
4 out of 5
2 Rue Suzane Lenglen, Pau, Pyrenees Atlantiques
The price is $84 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$84
includes taxes & fees
$72 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Pau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (588 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2024

Kyriad Prestige Pau - Zenith - Palais Des Sports
Hôtel Le Roncevaux
Hôtel Le Roncevaux
3 out of 5
25 Rue Louis Barthou, Pau, Pyrenees Atlantiques
The price is $74 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$74
includes taxes & fees
$64 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Pau. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (445 reviews)
"Great location, easy walking to many places nearby. Parking is very close"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024

Hôtel Le Roncevaux
All Suites Appart Hotel Pau
All Suites Appart Hotel Pau
3 out of 5
4 Rue de Tiredous, Pau, Pyrenees Atlantiques
The price is $68 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$68
includes taxes & fees
$59 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Pau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Casino Tranchant Pau and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (795 reviews)
"Great room for the price, staff were brilliant. Breakfast excellent but on the last day they had run out of most of the food which was a shame."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

All Suites Appart Hotel Pau
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
All Suites Appart Hotel Pau
All Suites Appart Hotel Pau
3 out of 5
4 Rue de Tiredous, Pau, Pyrenees Atlantiques
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Pau. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Casino Tranchant Pau and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (795 reviews)
"Great room for the price, staff were brilliant. Breakfast excellent but on the last day they had run out of most of the food which was a shame."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

All Suites Appart Hotel Pau
Appart'Hotel Victoria Garden Pau
Appart'Hotel Victoria Garden Pau
3 out of 5
5, rue Ronsard, Pau, Pyrenees Atlantiques
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified residence in Pau. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (441 reviews)
Good location comfortable room
"Basic but comfortable rooms and small kitchenette well equipped. Close to a fairly busy road but convenient for getting in and out of town. Large supermarket close by. Staff were very friendly and helpful and breakfast had a good selection."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2024

Appart'Hotel Victoria Garden Pau
Appart'City Confort Pau Centre
Appart'City Confort Pau Centre
3 out of 5
9 Rue Du Marechal Joffre, Pau, Pyrenees Atlantiques
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Pau. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Musée Bernadotte and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (315 reviews)
"Appart'City was perfect for our six night stay in Pau. We had all the amenities of an apartment with the services that a hotel provides. The location couldn't have been better on Rue Marechal Joffre with its lovely shops and restaurants.(Highly recommend Resto di Vin) It is a half-block from Place ..."

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2024

Appart'City Confort Pau Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Pau

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
6
" "5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 13.333333333333334%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 6.666666666666667%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Be preparwd for rain!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Terrible traffic and roundabouts without end. And a town that sort of shuts down at night. Difficult without a car and a pain with a car.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Good restaurants. Nice place for shopping.

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