Pau is a city in southwestern France that serves as the prefecture of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. With 76,275 inhabitants recorded on 1 January 2018, it is the largest city in the department and a historic capital of the Béarn province. Pau occupies a strategic position on a plateau above the Gave de Pau river, offering broad views toward the Pyrenean mountain range and an urban fabric shaped by centuries of political, cultural and economic change.

Location and geography

Located at the northern foothills of the Pyrenees, Pau overlooks the Gave de Pau, a river that has influenced the town's layout and development. The famous Boulevard des Pyrénées runs along the edge of the city plateau and provides panoramic sightlines to the mountains on clear days. The climate is broadly oceanic with mountain influences — winters are relatively mild and summers warm, moderated by Atlantic air masses and relief from nearby peaks.

History and heritage

Pau's history is closely tied to the historical province of Béarn. It developed around a medieval castle, the Château de Pau, which later became notable as the birthplace of King Henry IV of France in 1553. Over time the town grew as an administrative and judicial center for Béarn. In the 19th century Pau acquired a new social dimension as a fashionable winter resort for British and other European visitors, who were attracted by the mild climate and opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as hunting and horse racing.

Culture, education and economy

Pau combines cultural institutions, higher education and modern industry. The Château de Pau now houses a museum devoted in part to the life of Henry IV; other attractions include fine‑arts museums and civic architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The city hosts a university, the University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour, which contributes to research and local economic activity. Pau also has long-standing links to energy and earth sciences because of the Aquitaine Basin and associated research in hydrocarbons and geosciences. Contemporary economic activity is diverse, spanning public administration, services, education, tourism and technology-oriented firms.

Administration and population

As a prefecture, Pau is the seat of departmental administration and the center of the surrounding arrondissement. The city is divided into several cantons for electoral and administrative purposes. Residents of Pau are commonly called Palois. Linguistic traditions in the area reflect Béarnais (a dialect of Occitan) and Basque influences, which shape local place names, festivals and cultural identity.

Transport, sport and notable facts

Pau is served by an airport offering regional and national connections and by rail and road links that connect it to other cities of southwestern France. The city has a prominent sporting culture: rugby union is particularly popular, and horse racing and cycling events are regular features. In 2017 Pau received the honorary title "Reformation City of Europe" from the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe, reflecting part of its religious and cultural history. The combination of historic sites, educational institutions and mountain access keeps Pau an important regional center for administration, culture and tourism.

Quick facts

  • Prefecture of Pyrénées-Atlantiques; historical capital of Béarn.
  • Birthplace of King Henry IV; Château de Pau is a principal landmark.
  • Noted for the Boulevard des Pyrénées and views of the Pyrenees.
  • Home to the University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour and diverse economic sectors.