The Hôtel Bristol Pau takes you on a discovery tour of the city of Pau, and more specifically the old town.
Take a stroll through the streets and you'll see a complete change of scenery. The wide pavements turn into narrow streets and the large, luxurious buildings are transformed into small, traditional-style houses. These old buildings are generally one or more storeys high and seem full of magic, just like the old town itself.
This part of the town is very well maintained, with buildings preserved as far as possible to preserve the memory of its history.
As well as the pretty old houses, this district is full of surprises. There's an ancient church, as well as the town's landmark building: the Château de Pau, located in the centre of the old town and visible from afar.
To appreciate the charm of the old town, you don't necessarily need to visit its historic monuments. After crossing the Boulevard des Pyrénées, which encircles the historic heart of Pau, take the time to stroll along Rue Sully or Rue du Moulin. Here, small restaurants and old houses replace modern buildings. Everything is on a human scale. On the ground, you can admire the cobblestones of the alleyways, while if you look up, you'll discover beautifully crafted facades.
The Château de Pau, Birthplace of King Henry IV
Located around ten minutes away, the Hôtel Bristol Pau takes you to one of the city's most historic buildings: the Château de Pau.
"Good food and good wine are heaven on earth", said Henri IV. But what was he going to do in Paris, beyond the borders of Navarre! The old town of Pau seems like a haven of peace that's hard to leave for anyone who knows it...
The Château de Pau, a tall building, is the heart of the town. A former fortress transformed into a palace during the Renaissance, it impresses and charms with its beautiful straight lines, elaborate windows and luminous white stonework.
Today transformed into a museum, the château is a place of legend. The legend of Gaston Fébus, warrior lord and poet, who took advantage of the Hundred Years' War to extend his hold over the region. Above all, it's the story of Henri IV, whose birth here on 13 December 1533 resembles a mythological anecdote: when he was born, his grandfather, Henri D'Albert, made him drink a glass of wine and gave him a sea turtle shell as a cradle. The beginning of an exceptional destiny...
The Place Royale, Pau's focal point
Pau's Place Royale is not the largest, but it is considered to be the most emblematic. It has been home to the statue of Louis XIV since 1688, although it was destroyed during the French Revolution in 1793.
The statue of Henri IV was installed in 1843 at the request of Louis-Philippe, and in 1870 some adjustments to the ground were made to accommodate the lime trees that give it its charm. It then became the centre of high society on holiday in the capital of the Bearn region.
The square is lined with old buildings, such as Pau's town hall and the Hôtel de France, which was completely rebuilt in the 19th century to become an imposing and majestic establishment. A must-see on your visit to Pau.
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