Château de Pau, Renaissance castle in Pau, France
Château de Pau rises on a rocky spur above the Gave de Pau, its pale stone walls topped by dark slate roofs. The central block has a tall hipped roof with four round corner turrets, and a taller orange-red brick tower with a crenellated top stands to the right. A broad stone staircase climbs to the terrace, and a lower wing with ground-level arcades and a balustraded terrace runs in front.
The original medieval fortress underwent major renovations during the 16th century, acquiring Renaissance features as it shifted from a purely defensive stronghold to a royal residence. This transformation reflected the growing power and wealth of the family.
The castle has housed the Musée national du Château de Pau since 1927, devoted to Henry IV, born here on 13 December 1553. Its collections centre on the Henrician theme, gathered largely during Louis-Philippe's restoration, and include tapestries from the 16th to 19th centuries. The initials of Henry II of Navarre and Marguerite d'Angoulême remain on walls and ceilings, maintained through later restorations.
The castle is open daily and can be explored on guided tours through royal apartments and historical rooms. Access is straightforward, and visitors should plan time to see both the interior collections and the formal gardens.
The cradle of Henry IV, who became King of France, is still displayed in the very room where he was born in 1553. This personal object offers a direct connection to the family that once lived here.
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