European Heritage Days at Pau Pyrénées 20 and 21 September 2025

The theme of the 42nd European Heritage Days is “Architectural Heritage“, and on 20 and 21 September you are invited to discover the rich heritage of the Pau Pyrenees. This is your chance to push open doors that are usually closed to the public, to meet men and women who are passionate about what they do, and to discover sometimes hidden trades and talents…

Once again this year, the rich and varied programme includes guided tours, exhibitions, city walks and events for all ages. It’s a real invitation to immerse yourself in the history and architecture of Palmyra. The guided tours will help you read the walls, the details, the uses… Let yourself be guided!

Discovering of five not-to-be-missed locations

For this 2025 vintage, we have selected five remarkable sites, usually closed to the public, to reveal their history during the European Heritage Days.
An architectural and historical journey through the centuries, between institutions, military memorabilia, funerary heritage and the Palaisean way of life…

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2025 Edition

Discover the 2025 European Heritage Days programme

Banque de France Institutional secrets

Its solemn, discreet architecture speaks volumes about the building’s mission. Behind its imposing façade is a place of authority, reflecting the presence of the State in the heart of the city.

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

A rare place to explore, to understand how architecture can embody trust.

Visit without registration – subject to availability

Bernadotte barracks Architectural rigour and national memory

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

A witness to major urban transformations, it has long structured the life of the district. As you cross its threshold, you enter a world of discipline, memory and collective narratives.

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

No-registration visit – subject to availability

The Beverly villa So British

A discreet pearl in the Saint Dominique district, the Villa Beverly recalls the taste for holidaying during the Belle Époque.

Its elegant lines, tree-lined garden and meticulous décor evoke a certain gentle way of life, somewhere between the art of entertaining and bourgeois refinement.

A visit that will delight lovers of residential architecture and timeless charm.

Reservations required:

By email: patrimoine@saintdominique.fr
By telephone: 05 59 32 01 23

The urban cemetery Richness and originality

Often overlooked, Pau’s urban cemetery is a veritable open-air history book.

Funerary sculptures, artists’ graves, monumental constructions of former notables or local figures: each alleyway reveals a page from the memory of Pau and its illustrious characters.

It’s a place for meditation and contemplation, but also one with an unsuspected wealth of heritage.

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Hotel de France Art of living in the Belle Époque

Situated on Place Royale, just a stone’s throw from Pau town hall, this former private mansion captivates visitors with its plush appearance and well-preserved character.

It embodies the refinement of the city centre‘s civil buildings, with their generous volumes, well-ordered facades and noble materials.

Push open the doors of this heritage jewel: the art of Belle-Époque living is alive and well here.

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Zoom on 9 visits and activities

These tours – sometimes guided – offer an intimate and accessible look at various facets of local history.

1. Friends of the railways

Discover Palais’ railway heritage,
the history of railways in the region…
And an association of model railway enthusiasts!

Visit without registration
Subject to availability

Friends of the railways

2. A woodcarver's workshop

Enter the creative world
of a sculptor who shapes wood
with passion and delicacy.

Visit without registration
Subject to availability

3. Museum of Resistance and Deportation

An essential place of remembrance,
where the history of the Béarn Resistance
is brought to light.

Visit without registration
Subject to availability

Museum of Resistance and Deportation

4. Hédas gymnasium

Atypical sports building with strong heritage value,
a testament to the town’s educational and social development.

Visit without registration
Subject to availability

The Hédas gymnasium

5. The temple in rue Serviez

A religious building that reveals the spiritual
and architectural diversity of Pau.

Visit without registration
Subject to availability

The temple on rue Serviez

6. Concrete architecture

A guided tour on the theme of the architectural evolution of
20th century architecture in Pau,
through an emblematic material: concrete.

Visit without registration
Subject to availability

7. The Mysteries of the City

More than a visit, it’s a real medieval immersion
this 21st edition in the town of Lescar.
Re-enactments – Crafts – Shows – Fireworks…

Event entirely free of charge
No prior registration required

The Mysteries of the City

8. The paratroopers' memorial museum

A memorial site that’s unique in France!
Find out all about the history of military parachuting.
Visit the collections – Immersive activities – Family games

Visit without registration
Subject to availability

The paratroopers' memorial museum

9. The English circle

Nestled in Villa Lawrance, in the park of the same name,
you will discover the mundane and hushed atmosphere
of Pau in English style!

Visit without registration
Subject to availability

The English circle

Discover the 2025 European Heritage Days programme

Practical info So you don't miss a thing!

Who’s it for?
The rich and varied programme offers visits and activities for all ages!
Prices and bookings
Free for the most part, with a few guided tours for a fee
Bookings at the Tourist Office and online from 16 September.
Tip
We strongly recommend that you book in advance, due to the large number of visitors.

Information and/or bookings

Pau Pyrénées Tourist Office
Tel : 05 59 27 27 08
Email : accueil@tourismepau.fr
Social networks : @tourismepau

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City of Art and History in Pau Commitment, mediation and facilitation

40 years of the label

Pau, which was awarded the Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (City of Art and History) label by the French Ministry of Culture in 2012, is taking an active approach to knowledge, conservation, mediation and support for heritage.

The Palaiseau team has put together a stimulating programme that you can find in the“Patrimoine&Moi” booklet, the biannual publication for heritage lovers. Guided tours, meetings, exhibitions, fun workshops for children and treasure hunts are all on offer.

The booklet can be consulted online, but is also available from theTourist Office.