Top 10 things to do in Pau

Pau is the capital of Béarn. It's a city steeped in history, having preserved its rich medieval heritage over time. But it's also a dynamic city, the prefecture of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, offering all kinds of leisure activities. Stretching along the Gave de Pau river, it boasts numerous natural spaces, so you can enjoy some fantastic outdoor activities.

Opening photo: The Boulevard des Pyrénées in Pau

10 must-see attractions in Pau

1) Visit the historic center of Pau

Pau extends from its medieval castle, built on the banks of the Gave de Pau river. Medieval streets lead you to the main monuments of the historic center. Pau is also home to several museums. Here are the must-see sites during your visit to Pau:

• The National Museum in Pau Castle ;
• The Mint Tower ;
• The Parliament of Navarre ;
• The fountain in Parliament Square ;
• The Palace and Beaumont Park ;
• The Boulevard des Pyrénées ;
• The Museum of Fine Arts.

2) Admire Pau from above, in its funicular

To truly appreciate this royal city, its commanding position overlooking the Gave River, and the landscapes of Béarn, we invite you to ascend to new heights aboard the funicular. Since 1908, the funicular has transported passengers from Boulevard des Pyrénées to Place Royale. The cabins date back to the 1960s and retain their vintage charm. A fleeting journey through time awaits you!

3) Meeting Henry IV at Pau Castle

Pau Castle is the birthplace of Henry IV. It was therefore only natural that this site was transformed into a museum, in homage to this famous figure. The National Museum will tell you Henry's story, from his birth to his ascension to the throne of France and much more… The estate still boasts Renaissance-style gardens, where you can stroll.

4) Enrich your mind in Pau's museums

National Museum, Paratrooper Memorial Museum, Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, Bernadotte Museum, Museum of Fine Arts… No doubt you will satisfy your curiosity in Pau! And if you still haven't had enough, we've put together a comprehensive tour of the museums in Béarn for you.

5) Take a stroll through the " Willow Groves " of the Gave de Pau

The " Saligues " are natural areas typical of the mountain streams of Béarn. In the Béarn dialect, this term refers to a wetland. These are marshy meadows that border the rivers. You will find them just outside Pau, heading east, along the Gave de Pau. This ecosystem is home to characteristic flora and fauna: willows, poplars, European pond turtles, otters, and a multitude of birds.

6) Go tree climbing in the Vert-Tiges forest

North of Pau, you'll find an unusual outdoor activity in a unique forest setting. Nestled in a centuries-old oak grove is the Vert-Tiges treetop adventure park. The courses are suitable for all levels and all your desires for heights. After the hustle and bustle of the city, a stroll among the trees will bring you calm and serenity.

7) Enjoy the Béarnaise cuisine

Chicken in a pot, garbure (a hearty vegetable and meat stew), Pyrenees salmon, sheep's cheese, spit cake… The delicacies of Béarn have something to satisfy both sweet and savory palates, from the most voracious gourmands to the most discerning gourmets! There are many excellent places to eat in Pau: from gourmet restaurants and bistros to inns and brasseries, offering both traditional Pau fare and something more unusual…

8) Learn about oenology with Jurançon wines, in the vineyards around Pau

Béarn is a land of bon vivants, whose most illustrious representative was Henri IV. The wines of Béarn honor this tradition of enjoying good food and drink. The vineyards around Pau produce sweet white wines: Jurançon. This AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) appellation highlights this ancestral wine-growing region, already renowned in the time of good King Henri.

9) Treat yourself to "100% Béarnais" products in Pau

Whether you're looking to treat your loved ones or bring back a souvenir from Béarn, Pau is a city that knows how to showcase its local crafts and quality products. You'll find artisan workshops, designer boutiques, and farmers' markets. And if you're lacking inspiration, there are innovative and trendy shops: concept stores.

10) Explore the region, during a road trip along the Gave de Pau

The Gave de Pau is a river of great importance to the region, formerly for economic development, and today for tourism. In the Middle Ages, the Château de Pau was built on a rocky promontory near the riverbanks. Its strategic position allowed it to control a ford below. Pau is therefore a good starting point for a road trip along the Gave de Pau and exploring the surrounding area.

This concludes our top 10, and we hope it has inspired you to visit Pau, the capital of Béarn!

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