Musee Beaux Arts Pau 04
©

Musee Beaux Arts Pau 04

|

AaDT64-NBL

European Heritage Days in Pau and the Pyrenees 19 and 20 September 2026

The 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, with the themes‘Photographic Heritage’and‘Heritage at Risk: revive, resist, reimagine”, invites you to discover the rich heritage of Pau and the Pyrenees on 19 and 20 September. This is an opportunity to step inside places usually closed to the public, to meet passionate and fascinating people, and to discover trades and talents that are sometimes hidden away…

Once again this year, the rich and varied programme comprises guided tours, exhibitions, city walks and activities designed for all audiences. A genuine invitation to discover Pau’s heritage and its history. The guided tours will help you interpret the walls, the details and the history behind them… Let yourself be guided!

2026 Edition

How do I book my tours?

As it does every year, your Tourist Office will be handling ticket sales for some of the tours on offer in Pau Pyrénées.

Bookings will open on Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 9.00 am, either at reception or online.

And to make the most of this weekend dedicated to heritage, the Pau Tourist Office will be open exceptionally on Sunday 20 September, from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm without a break.

Once again this year, there are some wonderful discoveries in store!

The Bank of France Institutional secrets

A solemn yet understated architectural style that speaks volumes about the building’s purpose. Behind its imposing façade lies a place of authority, reflecting the presence of the State at the heart of the city.

With its stone walls and classical lines, it embodies both financial rigour and a certain institutional elegance.

A rare place to explore, offering an insight into how architecture can embody trust.

No booking required – subject to availability
Meet at 7 rue Louis-Barthou

The Bernadotte Barracks Architectural rigour and national memory

More than just a military building, the Bernadotte barracks form an integral part of Pau’s history.

A witness to major urban changes, it has long shaped life in the neighbourhood. Upon crossing its threshold, one enters a world of discipline, memory and collective narratives.

A place to rediscover in the light of its transformations, bridging its martial past and urban future.

Book on the day – subject to availability
Meet in front of the Bernadotte Barracks, Place de Verdun

The Sorrento Palace Discovering the life of the Clinch-Mérillon couple

Step into the private world of the Franco-American couple, the Clinch-Mérillons, and discover their former private residence, now listed as a Historic Monument.

The tour takes you from the grounds into the heart of the house: stroll through the ornamental garden, approach the Temple of Diana, then step through the doors of the house. The entrance hall, the majestic marble staircase and the cellars – where the former kitchen is notably revealed – each tell their own story of life on the estate.

A richly documented slideshow rounds off the tour and, as a special treat, gives you a glimpse into areas that are now private.

Duration: 2 hours

Bookings must be made through your local tourist office:

  • On our website: at www.tourismepau.com
  • By telephone: 05 59 27 27 08

Meet at 25 Rue Castet de L’Array

2026 Edition What's new? Not to be missed

Former Jesuit Chapel Memory and Renewal

A carefully restored 19th-century Neo-Romanesque chapel, bearing witness to the history of the Jesuits in Pau…

Visiting information:
Guided tours
Saturdays at 10.30 am and 3 pm – Sundays at 3 pm
Meet at 45 Rue Montpensier, Pau
No booking required – subject to availability

Cross-country

Whether with your family, on your own or with friends, come and experience a cross-country run like no other!

Event details:
Saturday at 5.00 pm and 8.30 pm – Sunday at 3.00 pm
Meet on the forecourt of Pau railway station
No booking required – Subject to availability

Pyrenees Hospital Centre Special opening

A tour of one of the largest and most beautiful psychiatric hospitals in France…

Visiting conditions:
Guided tours
Saturdays, at 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm
Meet at 29 Avenue du Général Leclerc
Booking required at [email protected]
or on 05 59 80 90 11

Pau Town Hall A small theatre in the Italian style

From the town council chamber to the theatre, the story of the prestigious past of this iconic venue in the town…

Bonus: Guided tour in sign language on Saturdays

Visiting conditions:
Guided tours
Saturdays and Sundays, at 11am, 3pm and 5pm
Meet at the main entrance to the town hall
Booking required at the Pau Pyrénées Tourist Office,
on 05 59 27 27 08 / On the spot / Online

The town cemetery Richness and originality

Although often overlooked, Pau’s municipal cemetery is, in fact, a veritable open-air history book.

Funeral sculptures, artists’ graves, and monumental tombs of former dignitaries or local figures: every path reveals a page in the history of Pau and its illustrious figures.

A place for reflection and contemplation, but also one of unexpected cultural richness.

Bookings can be made through your local tourist information office:

  • On our website: at www.tourismepau.com
  • By telephone: 05 59 27 27 08

Meet at 3 Allée du Grand-Tour

The Hôtel de France The Belle Époque lifestyle

Situated on Place Royale, a stone’s throw from Pau Town Hall, this former townhouse charms with its opulent appearance and well-preserved character.

It epitomises the refinement of the city centre’s civic buildings, with its spacious interiors, symmetrical façades and fine materials.

Step inside this heritage gem: here, the art of living in the Belle Époque truly comes to life.

Bookings can be made through your local tourist office:

  • On our website: at www.tourismepau.com
  • By telephone: 05 59 27 27 08

Please go to the reception at the Hôtel de France, Place Royale

Zoom out of 9 visits and activities

These tours – some of which are guided – offer an intimate and accessible insight into various aspects of local history.

Practical info Don’t miss a thing!

  • Who is it for?
    The rich and varied programme offers tours and activities for all audiences and all ages!
  • Prices and bookings
    Over 70 free events in Pau and the wider Pau area.
    Bookings can be made at the Tourist Office and online from Tuesday 15 September at 9.00 am.
  • Tip
    Bookings are strongly recommended due to high visitor numbers.

Pau: City of Art and History Engagement, mediation and facilitation

40th anniversary of the label

Pau, which has held the ‘City of Art and History’ designation since 2012, awarded by the Ministry of Culture, is actively engaged in promoting awareness, conservation, outreach and support for its heritage.

The team in Pau has put together an exciting programme, which you will find in the“Patrimoine&Moi” booklet, a biannual publication for heritage enthusiasts. It features guided tours, talks, exhibitions and fun workshops for children, such as treasure hunts.

The booklet can be viewed online and is also available fromthe Tourist Office.

Meet the ‘City of Art and History’ team in Pau
Pau, labellisée " Ville d'art et d'histoire " depuis 2012

Make the most of it In Pau, Pyrenees

European Heritage Days in Pau and the Pyrenees FAQ 19 and 20 September 2026

Discover Pau and the Pyrenees And much more besides!