768km (477 miles) SW of Paris, 196km (122 miles) SW of Toulouse
High above the banks of the Gave de Pau River, this year-round resort is a good place to pause in your trek through the Pyrénées. The British discovered Pau in the early 19th century, launching such practices as fox hunting, a custom that lingers. Even if you're just passing through, follow boulevard des Pyrénées, an esplanade erected on Napoleon's orders, for a famous panoramic view.
Pau is the most cosmopolitan city in the western Pyrénées, the capital of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département (mini-state). It was once the capital of the Béarn region, the land of the kings of Navarre, the most famous and beloved of whom was Henri IV. Its population of approximately 81,000 still observes some English traditions, such as afternoon tea. At one time the English formed 15% of the population.
Pau Travel Experiences
-
Day Four
Day 4, May 21Pomps to MaslacqDistance: 17km882km to Santiago, 69km from startMore cloudy skies and occasional sprinkles. We heard last ni... Continue reading »
-
Day 1 The calm before the storm
Enroute to Roncesvalles from St. Jean, about 8 km outside St. Jean (but 600 meters higher!) is this delightful little oasis of an auberge... Continue reading »
-
Day Three
Day 3, May 20Arzacq-Arraziguet to PompsDistance: 20km899km to Santiago, 52km from startEarliest start so far, a little before 8:00. Anoth... Continue reading »
-
Day Five
Day 5, May 22Maslacq to NavarrenxDistance: 20km863km to Santiago, 88km from startAgain, a mostly cloudy start to the day. Yesterday’s hik... Continue reading »
-
Day Two
Day 2, May 19Miramont-Sensacq to Arzacq-ArraziguetDistance: 12km919km to Santiago, 32km from start We headed off under cloudy skies and f... Continue reading »
