Our must-haves So you don’t miss a thing in Pau Pyrénées

This is the remarkable story of a simple hunting lodge that was fortified with wooden stakes to become a stronghold; and which gave rise to the town’s name: ‘Pau’ (meaning ‘stake’ in the Béarn dialect). From the top of its promontory, ten centuries gaze down upon you! Each historical era would add its own architectural touch, enrich its collections, and embellish its parks and gardens. But what we love to remember above all else is the joyous event of an evening in December 1553, when, amidst the splendour of the château, a certain Henri III of Navarre—the future King Henri IV—was born. His royal cradle, shaped like a tortoise shell, can still be seen during tours of the château!

Remarkably well-maintained, set in its lush green surroundings, this venerable residence still overlooks the town and the Gave river, facing the majestic Pyrenees. So, as you’ll have gathered, here in our region, the jewel in our crown is the château!

Just a few minutes from Pau lies Lescar. An ancient town perched on a hill, it overlooks the plain and offers a superb vantage point over the Pyrenees. The beating heart of the fortified town is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, which houses the tombs of the Kings of Navarre. But what you may not know is that the ancient Lescar, Bénéharnum, gave its name to our beautiful region: Béarn.

Ideally situated on the Way of St James, this ancient episcopal town is a welcome stopover on the Via Tolosa, before tackling the steeper, more rugged valleys and roads of the ascent into the Pyrenees.

Whether you’re passionate about history, beautiful architecture, charming tales and legends, or great journeys, you’re most welcome in Lescar!