Hometown of King Henry IV of France! 4 sightseeing spots in Pau overlooking the Pyrenees Mountains

The town of Pau lies at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains, which mark the border between France and Spain. It’s famous as a scenic tourist destination where French people come to spend their holidays. The view from the hilltop, where you can overlook the ridgeline of the Pyrenees, is absolutely stunning! Pau is also the birthplace of King Henry IV of France, praised as the “Good King” in the 16th century. There are many tourist attractions such as the castle where he was born and magnificent churches dating back to the Middle Ages. The town of Pau is full of buildings with white walls and grey roofs, giving a unified and sophisticated atmosphere. The entire town feels like a luxury resort, and it’s sure to refresh your spirit. Now, let’s take a look at the sightseeing spots in Pau.

1. Pau Castle

When talking about sightseeing in Pau, Pau Castle is a must-see. Henry IV, founder of the Bourbon dynasty and known for the “Edict of Nantes,” was born in this castle in 1553. The castle was renovated during the Napoleonic era in the 19th century and is now open to tourists as a national museum displaying artworks from that period.

With white walls and grey pointed roofs, the charming fairy-tale-like castle suffered significant damage during the French Revolution. The cradle made from a sea turtle shell, said to be Henry IV’s, is the highlight of the exhibit. Every room—from the king’s bedroom to the ministers’ waiting room—is truly opulent! Don’t miss the tapestries on the walls depicting scenes from French life of the past.

2. Boulevard des Pyrénées

Pau is a town situated on a hill along the Pau River. In front of the station by the river, there’s a historical cable car that’s been operating since 1908, and just riding it is a delightful experience. Once you get off the cable car, you’ll be at Boulevard des Pyrénées, a sightseeing spot with panoramic views of the Pyrenees. It’s a scenic street that connects Pau Castle and Beaumont Palace, where the casino is located. Locals often walk or jog along it.

Along the boulevard, plaques list the names of the mountains you can see, making it fun to identify the peaks in view. The distant Pyrenees Mountains are just beyond the border into Spain. Feel the distinct air of Aquitaine, quite different from Paris.

3. Saint Martin Church

Located near Pau Castle, Saint Martin Church is a large Gothic cathedral with a 70-meter-high bell tower. The white walls are particularly beautiful, and its majestic exterior—resembling a castle—makes it perfect for commemorative photos. The serene atmosphere inside is also wonderful, so do step in.

It features a high arched ceiling, a cross and statue of Mary under a domed altar, and numerous paintings on the walls—all with a solemn elegance that may prompt you to straighten your posture. Light filtering through the stained glass, especially the rose window, is breathtaking. If you're lucky, you might even hear the pipe organ play.

4. Saint Jacques Church

Pau has many medieval buildings, and Saint Jacques Church, with its two pointed spires, is a popular historical sightseeing spot. From the Royal Square in front of the cable car station, walk straight north and you'll find it. This is another grand church with dazzling white walls. The entire town of Pau is unified with white walls and grey roofs, and even among them, Saint Jacques Church’s spires stand out, attracting many visitors.

Built on a slope, the church reveals different faces depending on the angle, so it’s worth walking all the way around. Compared to Saint Martin Church, the interior feels simpler, but the stained glass—especially the rose window—is still beautiful. Next to the church is a large courthouse, also an impressive building worth visiting.

◎ Summary

Pau’s old town sits on a hilltop, full of slopes and steps. Besides the scenic view from the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées, you’ll discover views of the lower town through gaps between buildings, or find new perspectives looking up from below—just walking around brings plenty of discoveries! Palm trees and white-walled buildings make Pau bright and airy. It’s also known for its active sports scene, with teams in soccer, rugby, and basketball. The Pau Grand Prix car race and Tour de France also bring fame. With its well-maintained roads and beautiful views, Pau is certainly suited for road racing. If you’re tired from sightseeing in France’s big cities, definitely visit the historic southern town of Pau.

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Hometown of King Henry IV of France! 4 sightseeing spots in Pau overlooking the Pyrenees Mountains