It was great to rent an automatic and see different parts of the area. Beautiful sceneries all around and delicious food everywhere, I recommend researching the history of that region, as there is so much to discover and appreciate.

Pau is pleasant, yet there many other French cities to choose over it. Three unique aspects: First it was the home of King Henry 4th, one of France's most famous kings (late 1500's), loved by the poor, hated by powerful catholics and protestants alike. Very cool castle downtown. Second it was the home of Napoleon's Marshall Benadotte, who cutting a complex story short, became King of Sweden and his direct issue still sits in the Drottningholm Palace today. Pau's Bernadotte museum is the original house and the curator may fall down before the building! Last and best, just south of town and over the ridge, is the tiny, picturesque Jurancon Valley, France's oldest "Appellation", where the manicured, "gros et petit manseng" vines provide some of the country's best whites, and, more Bearnaise villages than brebis sheep cheeses.

Had heard about Pau from a friend who went to school here and have wanted to visit. Went here by car with another friend staying in center of town and really enjoyed it. There are a couple a really interesting sights and much charm. The castle is a must see. And anyone interested in Napoleonic era should go to the Musee Bernadotte birthplace of one of Bonaparte's generals who became King of Sweden. There are some nice dining options, the town is great to explore on foot and good shopping (tho shops are closed on Sun and sometimes Mon). There are also lovely views of the Pyrennés Mountains nearby. Very nice for a stay of a couple nights.

I travelled to Pau to visit my son who is living there for a while. It's a nice city with lots of great restaurants and cafes. The Chateau where Henry IV was born is awesome. Has some amazing giant tapestries on display. Great views of the Pyrenees. Nice friendly city. Bus and train services are great and it's only 30 minutes on the train to visit Lourdes. If you don't have a car you need to stay in one of the many hotels in the city area. People are very friendly and laid back. Many shops including banks and post office close between 12 and 2 o'clock for lunch but stay open later into the evening. You can fly to Pau from Paris which takes about 1 hr or catch the train from Gare Montparnasse. Express train takes about 5-1/2 hours. Worth visiting

Pau is wonderful for pedestrians, with a number of wonderful squares (Place) and pedestrian only streets with shops and cafes/restaurants. The city is very clean. Good job! Then of course there is the great Blvd des Pyrennees with views of the mountains. The old section and the Chateau de Pau + grounds are well worth a visit. I took the tour of the Chateau's interior (7euros). The Chateau is well worth the visit. I ate at 2 restaurants both excellent: Cafe du Palais for lunch @ 7 rue Saint Jacques and dinner at Le Conti (great selection of local wines) located @ 3 rue Samonzet. Highly recommend both places.

It is a beautiful area--the slow France culture and beauty of the Bearn is real. I liked walking about the center of town, but also by how central nature is to the area. The park of the castle, and by the river is accessible and glorious, whether for a visiting family, a biker, or locals. Many people do kayaks, biking, and serious sports here: not obligatory, but a good place to come if that is your style. Also family and child friendly. Parking downtown is not so simple, and finding which streets to use (b/c of pedestrian-friendly) can be challenging. Use the large underground parking centers: there are at least two--one at Centre Bosquet.