How long is the Boulevard des Pyrénées in Pau?

Boulevard des Pyrénées stretches for nearly 2 kilometres. It links the area around Pau Castle to Beaumont Park, passing through the town centre.

What can you see from the Boulevard des Pyrénées?

On a clear day, the boulevard offers unobstructed views of the Pyrenees, the hillsides and the Gave de Pau.

Is Boulevard des Pyrénées free to access?

Yes. The Boulevard des Pyrénées is open to the public all year round. You can walk along it and enjoy its benches, terraces and viewpoints.

How long does it take to walk along Boulevard des Pyrénées?

Allow about 30 minutes to walk through it without stopping. Allow a bit more time to take in the views or have a break on the terrace.

What is there to visit near Boulevard des Pyrénées?

The boulevard provides easy access to Pau Castle, Beaumont Park, Place Royale and the funicular railway.

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Slider Boulevard 01
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Pau Pyrénées Tourisme

Boulevard des Pyrénées The Pyrenees on the horizon

The Boulevard des Pyrénées, with its 180° panoramic view of the Pyrenees mountain range, is the symbol of Pau! Just sitting on a bench and gazing out at the horizon is reason enough to stop off in Pau. A ‘wow’ factor guaranteed. Whether you’re having a coffee, an ice cream, lunch or meeting up for a glass of Jurançon, there’s always a good reason to pop by!

Getting there

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Touristes Sur Le Boulevard Pyrenees
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Pau Pyrénées Tourisme / ST

A scenic walk

The Boulevard des Pyrénées is the very heart of Pau’s identity: a 1.9-kilometre promenade linking the Château Park to Beaumont Park, spanning the Middle Ages and the Belle Époque. A must-visit spot at any time of day or evening, people come and go time and time again…

A morning jog, a coffee on a terrace, lunch at midday, a sweet treat and a cup of tea for afternoon tea, or a night-cap in the evening. Young and old, locals and tourists alike – whether on a terrace, on a bench or leaning on the railing – let their gaze drift towards the horizon. More than just a promenade, it’s a place full of life!

The postcard

The view is spellbinding: in the foreground, the hillsides, a mix of vineyards and forests in ever-changing colours. In the background, silhouetted clearly against the blue sky of Pau, stands the iconic Pic d’Ossau, whose jagged peak towers over the Pyrenees mountain range!

Crowned with snow, barely visible through the mist, ablaze in the setting sun, the mountain is ever-present, changing with the passing hours and seasons!

‘Pau offers the most beautiful view of the countryside in the world, just as Naples offers the most beautiful view of the sea.’
Lamartine

Technical feat

In the 19th century, the idea of creating a promenade offering views of the Pyrenean landscape gained ground as holiday resorts and the ‘Pyrenean movement’ flourished. The Boulevard du Midi (1854–1871) linked the Château to the Place Royale. It was a hub of elegance and high society. Twenty years later, Alphonse Alphand, an engineer close to Haussmann, proposed extending it:

‘Pau lacks a Promenade des Anglais like the one in Nice’

Within two years, the project became a reality: a platform resting on the plateau overlooking the Gave, extending via a viaduct supported by 49 piers. The Boulevard du Midi was renamed the Boulevard des Pyrénées, and Pau became a city of scenic beauty.

Pau Horizons

In 1944, a special classification scheme was introduced to preserve the most beautiful views of the landscape: the ‘Horizons palois’.

Take a photo

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Hillsides

The hillsides and their vineyards bring the ever-changing landscape to life… Come and discover Jurançon – more than just a wine, it’s a region!

Walks and hikes

To make the most of it, leave the car behind and bring a good pair of shoes; and if you fancy carrying on with the walk, you can choose between the castle grounds on the right and Beaumont Park on the left!

A place to live and socialise

In 1900, this was the place to be. Luxury hotels, villas and the ‘beautiful people’ – everything was there to make it the perfect spot for a stroll! It was the height of the Belle Époque spirit: Pau was cosmopolitan, attracting the European aristocracy, American tycoons and writers ranging from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Colette. It was also a hub for aviation. But when war broke out, the Belle Époque came to an end. Yet the Boulevard des Pyrénées continues to delight the people of Pau, and its panoramic views capture the hearts of all who visit!

Holiday homes

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Villa Challe - Pau
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Pau Pyrénées Tourisme / ST

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Boulevard Pyrenees 04 1
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Pau Pyrénées Tourisme / Patrice Gablin

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Den Bas funicular
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Pau Pyrénées Tourisme

The funicular Timeless and unlikely

And because the boulevard runs alongside the upper town and the station is down below, by the river, travellers needed an easy way to get to their hotels and accommodation! So the town built a funicular railway, which has now become a familiar feature of the landscape. A sustainable, free and oh-so-chic way to get around!