Château de Pau, Renaissance castle in Pau, France
The castle stands in the heart of Pau with massive stone walls, defensive towers, and a deep moat surrounding the Renaissance structure.
During the 16th century, the medieval fortress underwent extensive modifications to become a Renaissance palace, marking a shift from military to residential function.
The National Museum inside the castle displays Flemish tapestries, period furniture, and art collections that document French royal heritage.
Visitors can explore the castle daily through guided tours, accessing historical rooms, royal apartments, and the French-style gardens.
The turtle shell cradle of Henry IV remains in the exact chamber where the future king of France entered the world in 1553.
Location: Pau
Architects: Vincent Latapie, Alexis Paccard, Louis-Auguste Couvrechef
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
Website: http://musee-chateau-pau.fr
GPS coordinates: 43.29472,-0.37500
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:38
Pau, the historic capital of Béarn, preserves notable traces of its royal past. The 14th-century castle, birthplace of Henry IV, overlooks the city and stands as the centerpiece of the local heritage. The Boulevard des Pyrénées offers views of the mountain range and connects several landmarks. The city maintains several museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Bernadotte, housed in the French marshal's birthplace. Religious buildings such as the Saint-Martin and Saint-Jacques churches, along with the historic Parlement de Navarre, document urban development over the centuries. The funicular railway, opened in 1908, links the upper town with the railway station district. Pau also features sports and recreational facilities including the racecourse, the Circuit Pau Arnos, and the national stud farm in the adjacent commune of Gelos. Parc Beaumont and the Forêt de Bastard provide green spaces within the city limits. In Lescar, a few miles away, a medieval settlement maintains its own historical character.
Funiculaire de Pau
387 m
Église Saint-Martin de Pau
157 m
Parliament of Navarre and Béarn
82 m
Église Saint-Jacques de Pau
415 m
Hôtel de Gassion
151 m
Les Halles
717 m
Pavillon des Arts de Pau
364 m
Hôtel de ville de Pau
339 m
Musée Bernadotte
345 m
Temple protestant de Pau
525 m
Horizons Palois
500 m
Église Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont de Pau
623 m
Hôtel de Peyré
41 m
Chapelle Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague de Pau
789 m
Église Saint-André de Pau
831 m
Hôtel Bourdier de Beauregard
154 m
Hôtel de Bayard
310 m
Office de Tourisme
319 m
Le Tour des Géants
607 m
Boulevard des Pyrénées
586 m
Musée national du château de Pau
39 m
Chapelle funéraire Guillemin-Montebello
585 m
Bernadotte Museum
354 m
The Spring
538 m
Monument aux morts de Pau
224 m
Chapelle du château de Pau
19 m
Pont de Pau
268 m
Chapelle de la Persévérance
152 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes