Pau, Prefecture city in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Pau is a prefecture city in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, located at 205 meters elevation along the northern edge of the Pyrenees. The city spreads across several hills and valleys, with the historic center occupying a plateau overlooking the surrounding landscape.
The settlement developed in the 11th century around a castle built by the Viscounts of Béarn to control a strategic ford. In the 16th century, the town became the residence of the Kings of Navarre and later the birthplace of Henry IV.
The Boulevard des Pyrénées runs through the center, linking gardens, museums and performance spaces, while cafés and shops line the route. Markets selling regional products from the Béarn take place regularly in the old town.
The Pau-Pyrénées Airport and the railway station offer connections to Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse and other destinations. The center can be explored on foot, though some slopes may be steep.
The discovery of the Lacq gas field in 1951 transformed the town's profile and brought industries related to aviation and petrochemicals. Today, research centers and companies recall this economic shift.
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