Shopping day with friends Chic and chill

Today with Emma and Sophie, it’s shopping time with the girls! We’ll be strolling around Pau, window-shopping and, of course, making a few purchases… I don’t know Pau very well, but Emma will be our guide and tempting demon too: she’s got an eye for bargains and pretty things! According to her, Pau is the ideal city for a “chic and chill” weekend. Once we’d raided the “so chic” boutiques in the city center, she promised us some “so cool” moments: a stroll in the sun on the Boulevard des Pyrénées, gourmet pleasures on the terrace, moments of well-being between palm trees and postcard scenery! We’re ready for a crazy day!

Nathalie, looking for a good time

Epicurean and curious, I love discovering the spirit, history and atmosphere of places.

Shops Comptoir De Lucie Pau 01 Paul Louis

Rendezvous at 9:30 am, Place Clémenceau! First difficult choice: coffee break at Café de l’Europe or breakfast at Boulangerie – Pâtisserie Grangé? Obviously, since we’re gourmets, we’ll choose the best baker in France 2023. That way, we can take the time to draw up our battle plan! Here we go…

Rue Joffre: we’re in the pedestrian zone. We start with fashion boutiques, independent brands and original creations! I quickly find what I’m looking for between “Le comptoir de Lucie”, “Dress Code” and “Cousu français”. Now I’ll have to make do with window-shopping at “Le Soulor” for beautiful handcrafted leather shoes and “Maro&Co” luggage.

As a lover of beautiful tableware and home decor, I find it hard to resist “Gallazzini” and “Esprit Pop Shop”. I don’t let myself be tempted. Sophie snaps up a few jams and other treats (including cuckoo clocks!!!) at the Miot boutique.

Coucougnettes Francismiot Passgourmand Pau Pyrenees Tourisme Paul Louis

Commerces Cousu Francais 08 Eddy Delobel

” I’m blown away: I couldn’t imagine so many high-end, luxury boutiques. Emma reminds us that Pau was home to the international aristocracy at the turn of the century and that today, with ARKEMA, Safran, Dassault etc., there’s still plenty of economic potential… Beautiful boutiques and quality products are part of Pau’s culture. There really is something for every taste and pocketbook, not to mention local craftsmanship. In fact, I’m sure I’ll be back for another visit to the Passage Carnot!

Highlights of the experience

Tourist Office

To make the most of Pau, drop in at the Tourist Office. You’ll find free maps and useful tips, while the store sells a range of souvenirs.

Parking lots

Park-and-Ride
Downtown: Clemenceau – Bosquet – Halles/République

Gourmet pass

For a day out, take the “petite faim” Gourmet Pass or the Casse-croute caviste and discover local gastronomy as you shop!

Free view

After shopping, what could be more satisfying than enjoying the beauty of the landscape? The Boulevard des Pyrénées awaits you.

Ideas for outings

Why not make the most of your day in Pau with a cultural evening: cinema, concert, theater. See our calendar of events.

Nature break

As well as shopping, take the time to stroll through the parks or around the Belle Époque houses! You’re in for a real treat!

Chic and luxurious Rue Henri IV

The luxury boutiques are a dream come true! Special mention to the arts and crafts of the “Martine Darteau” boutique, with its beautiful furs and savoir-faire. As a fan of beautiful pens and leather goods, I have one regret in front of Stylor! But I’m reasonable: I’ll settle for a good bottle at La Cave du Berry and a few Spanish specialties at Pyrénissimes. We’re in for a treat tomorrow!

We’re laughing out loud in front of the “Kway” store, thinking of Dany Boon’s sketch. Except that today it’s trendy!

Rue Louis Barthou

We pass the Town Hall and continue our expedition down rue Louis Barthou. We comment on the beautiful store windows. Sophie buys a beautiful British scarf for her boyfriend at “Union Jack”.

Architecture and decoration stop at “Pavelic Décoration”: we’re dreaming of beautiful homes!

Book my visit

Good to know

The couturier, who revolutionized fashion with his mini-skirts, was from Pau. He set up a major haute couture manufacturing site in Pau. It’s a heritage that our local designers do not disavow, as they commit themselves to responsible, committed clothing production.

We don't deprive ourselves of anything The secret goal of the day

Emma doesn’t know it yet, but this day has a hidden purpose… But so far we’ve done our part, and our purchases prove it!

Shops Parfumerie Elysee Parfums Pau 02 Paul Louis

The Palais des Pyrénées offers an atypical shopping street. We’re tempted by the inevitable “Cookies de la mort qui tuent”, but we’re determined to fit into our new dresses, so we won’t give in! Nor in front of THE artisan chocolate factory in Pau: “La couronne”. We cross Place Clémenceau and on Rue Serviez, Emma introduces us to a perfume shop like no other: Élysée Parfum!

The stop at Calame’s jewelry store is a surprise. Emma will have to choose her birthday present: that was the secret aim of the day!

Shops Bijouterie Calame Pau 03 Paul Louis

Commerces Biscuits Monsieur Laurent Pau 11 Eddy Delobel

Commerces Biscuits Monsieur Laurent Pau 07 Eddy Delobel

Commerces Biscuits Monsieur Laurent Pau 01 Eddy Delobel Rotated

Shops Chocolaterie La Couronne Pau 11 Eddy Delobel

Shops Chocolaterie La Couronne Pau 04 Eddy Delobel

Let's end the journey

On Place de la Libération, before Place des Sept Cantons, we turn left into Rue Saint-Jacques. On Emma’s advice, we take a lunch break at “Café du Palais”, a great address: home cooking and a warm, efficient welcome.

We continue our day by window-shopping and scouting for the next time. Rue des Cordeliers is one of Pau’s historic shopping streets, as is rue Serviez, which runs parallel to it.

Hair salons, luggage shops, torrefactors… I spot two local, responsible clothing brands that I’m sure I’ll like next time: “Maison Izard” and “Les traits français”, where Sophie falls for a colorful cape.

We move on to Rue Saint-Louis, but my heart’s no longer in it: my feet hurt! By the way, we take a tea break at “Suzani”, a “super girly” tearoom, restaurant and designer and craft store – just what we needed!

Shops Les Traits Francais Pau 01 Paul Louis

Commerces Cousu Francais 05 Eddy Delobel

A gentle end to the evening Sunset

We end the day with a stroll through the Renaissance gardens at the foot of the Château: a real break after our race against the clock!

And we gently drift off to the Boulevard des Pyrénées… A terrace, a glass of Jurançon and a tasty dinner with the sun setting peacefully finish off this beautiful day. Emma is delighted with her surprise birthday. But we’re not going out tonight, as we’re all exhausted and can’t wait to unpack!