Pau, the fourth capital of the Béarn, is the most elegant of the towns and cities that overlook the Pyrénées from their vantage point on the high bluffs that run parallel with the mountains.
Originally it was just a village fortified by a pallisade (`pau' in the old language of the Oc) guarding a bridge across the river. In the 15th century Gaston Fébus built the main fortifications and started the chateau.
It owes its importance initially to Henri IV, France's first Protestant king, who was born there, a proud Béarnais. When he was born it is said they cried: ``Here is a lion borne by the Sheep of Navarre'', a riposte to the insult when his mother was born - ``A miracle - the cow has given birth to a sheep'' (The cow is the symbol of the Béarn.)
Still very much a hero of the area, Henri IV's accession to the throne four hundred years earlier was celebrated vigorously by the Palois in 1989, while the rest of France was celebrating the bicentenary of the Revolution when they finally disposed of Royalty.
In the 19th century Pau became very popular with the British when a Scottish doctor proclaimed the curative powers of its mild climate, and their influence led to the city's soubriquet - ``La ville Anglaise''. The first mainland golf course, steeple-chasing, fox-hunting and very many fine English-style villas as well as the spectacular Boulevarde des Pyrénées all bear testament to their influence.
British society transferred their affections to Biarritz when Queen Victoria went there for a summer, but it grew in importance again this century with the discovery nearby of large supplies of natural gas. As well as being the capital of the department it is an important centre of the French oil industry.
PAU GOLF CLUB, the first golf course in mainland Europe
18 holes 69 par 5312m WOODED Green fees 200F - 250F
The course includes a couple of drives across the Gave de Pau, where it is not so easy to recuperate your balls! One of the most magnificent courses in France and, of course, full of history as well as challenge.
GOLF CLUB D'ARTIGUELOUVE
18 holes 71 par 6063m WOODED Green fees 190F - 235F.
This remarkable 1.5km long road along the edge of the cliffs on which Pau is built affords remarkable views of the Pyrénées. During the summer the heat haze often conceals the mountains, but on clear days the remarkable purity of the air brings them so close you feel you can almost touch them and you wonder where on earth they were hiding on, those other days!
Dominating the Pau skyline is the Chateau of Henri IV. To architectural experts it is such a mixture of styles that it can offend the eye, but that simply reflects its history over the centuries.
The oldest parts date from the 12th century. Gaston Phébus, the geat Béarnais hero, built on in 1370, and in the 16th century Marguerite d'Angouleme gave it a Renaissance style. The Revolution in 1789 took its toll, but in the 19th century Louis-Philippe and Napoleon III returned to redo the interior and add a tower respectively.
Guided visits of the appartments; also a museum.
F3000 and French Touring Car Championships (2 tours)
This deep cleft in the middle of Pau, one of the oldest quarters, was the only source of water before the Revolution. The old houses have been nicely restored.
Our four-star Parc Beaumont Hotel is located at the edge of the Parc Beaumont, a privileged area in the heart of Pau. The Hôtel Parc Beaumont is a luxurious establishment. Book online now Price: From €158 No of rooms: 80 Cards: Amex Diners Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Ratings:
The Campanile Hotel is ideally located close to the city of Pau. On your arrival, you will be welcomed by attentive hosts to ensure you have a pleasant stay. Book online now Price: From €76 No of rooms: 43 Cards: Visa/Mcard Switch Child rate: No Garden Ratings:
The Kyriad Hotel is ideally located in the centre of Pau. Book online now Price: From €69 No of rooms: 70 Cards: Visa/Mcard Switch Child rate: No Ratings:
The Hotel is located at the heart of Pau, close to the castle of Henry the Fourth. Close to the train station, the shops and the Boulevard des Pyrénées. Book online now Price: From €45 No of rooms: 26 Cards: Diners Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Ratings:
Converted from an ancient monastery, the Citôtel Roncevaux is in a private courtyard 2 minutes from Pau's Castle. The name Roncevaux recalls the famous battle between the invading Sarrasins and Charlemagne. Book online now Price: From €60 No of rooms: 39 Cards: Amex Diners Visa/Mcard Child rate: Yes Ratings:
In the heart of Pau, the Hotel 'Le Bourbon' offers you all the comforts of a two star hotel. Book online now Price: From €60 No of rooms: 33 Cards: Amex Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Ratings:
Kyriad, come and discover new horizons. Kyriad aims to offer you the ideal balance between guarenteed quality and charming diversity. Book online now Price: From €52 No of rooms: 58 Cards: Visa/Mcard Switch Child rate: No Ratings:
For you business trips or just for luxurious holidays, choose the hotel Best Western Continental. Located in the historical centre of the royal city of Pau, the hotel is a few steps from the Beaumont Palace. Book online now Price: From €47 No of rooms: 75 Cards: Amex Diners Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Ratings:
The Balladins Confort hotel will give you a warm and personalised welcome. The hotel is ideal for a stay with friends or family and to have a good time. Book online now Price: From €45 No of rooms: 1 Cards: Amex Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Ratings:
The Luy de Béarn Hotel Restaurant is located on the edge of Pau, in the city of Serres Castet. Our hotel is ideal for business, leisure guests or families. Book online now Price: From €45 No of rooms: 42 Cards: Amex Visa/Mcard Child rate: Yes Garden Ratings:
The Hotel is located at the heart of Pau, close to the castle of Henry the Fourth. Close to the train station, the shops and the Boulevard des Pyrénées. Book online now Price: From €45 No of rooms: 26 Cards: Diners Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Ratings:
Centrally located in Pau, capital of the Béarn's region close to the Pyrénées mountains Book online now Price: From €45 No of rooms: 29 Cards: Amex Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Ratings:
The A l'Hôtel is ideally located, only 2 km away from the city centre of Pau and the motorway A64. Our hotel is ideal for business or tourism stay. Book online now Price: From €35 No of rooms: 40 Cards: Amex Visa/Mcard Child rate: No Garden Ratings:
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Still very much a hero of the area, Henri IV's accession to the throne four hundred years earlier was celebrated vigorously by the Palois in 1989, while the rest of France was celebrating the bicentenary of the Revolution when they finally disposed of Royalty.
Our four-star Parc Beaumont Hotel is located at the edge of the Parc Beaumont, a privileged area in the heart of Pau. The Hôtel Parc Beaumont is a luxurious establishment.
The Campanile Hotel is ideally located close to the city of Pau. On your arrival, you will be welcomed by attentive hosts to ensure you have a pleasant stay.
The Kyriad Hotel is ideally located in the centre of Pau. 
The Hotel is located at the heart of Pau, close to the castle of Henry the Fourth. Close to the train station, the shops and the Boulevard des Pyrénées.
Converted from an ancient monastery, the Citôtel Roncevaux is in a private courtyard 2 minutes from Pau's Castle. The name Roncevaux recalls the famous battle between the invading Sarrasins and Charlemagne.
In the heart of Pau, the Hotel 'Le Bourbon' offers you all the comforts of a two star hotel. 
Kyriad, come and discover new horizons. Kyriad aims to offer you the ideal balance between guarenteed quality and charming diversity.
For you business trips or just for luxurious holidays, choose the hotel Best Western Continental. Located in the historical centre of the royal city of Pau, the hotel is a few steps from the Beaumont Palace.
The Balladins Confort hotel will give you a warm and personalised welcome. The hotel is ideal for a stay with friends or family and to have a good time.
The Luy de Béarn Hotel Restaurant is located on the edge of Pau, in the city of Serres Castet. Our hotel is ideal for business, leisure guests or families.
Centrally located in Pau, capital of the Béarn's region close to the Pyrénées mountains 
The A l'Hôtel is ideally located, only 2 km away from the city centre of Pau and the motorway A64. Our hotel is ideal for business or tourism stay.