Pau is a city in southwestern France, set in the foothills of the Pyrenees. It is a place where the mountains are never far from view, and where the streets carry the stamp of the Belle Époque, the period of elegant building that gave many French towns their graceful character.
What a visit offers
- A castle above the town: Pau's castle is the city's best-known landmark and anchors a visit to its historic centre.
- Boulevards for strolling: The wide, tree-lined avenues are made for unhurried walks, with façades that reward a slow look.
- Mountain views: On a clear day the Pyrenees rise against the sky, giving the city its distinctive backdrop.
Why it makes a good base
Pau suits travellers who want an easy city stay with mountain country close at hand. It is a practical starting point for exploring the French Pyrenees, and the Spanish border is within reach, so a trip can easily combine town life with time in the hills.
If you enjoy architecture, quiet streets and the feel of a city that looks outward to the mountains, Pau is worth a visit. Plan a few days to see the castle and the boulevards at your own pace, then head into the Pyrenees for the wider landscape.
