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Château de Pau

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Château de Pau (France)

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The Château de Pau is one of the most significant residences in southwestern France, world-renowned as the birthplace of Henry IV, the first Bourbon King of France. Originally built in the 12th century as a medieval fortress to control a ford across the Gave de Pau river, it was extensively expanded under Gaston Fébus in the 14th century. During the Renaissance, under Margaret of Navarre, it was transformed into a magnificent palace with elegant gardens. The castle now houses the National Museum, which displays an extraordinary collection of tapestries dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. A special highlight for visitors is the legendary turtle-shell cradle, in which the future King Henry IV is said to have lain in 1553. The castle's architecture reflects the various eras of its history, from sturdy brick defensive towers to refined Renaissance facades. The gardens offer a panoramic view of the Pyrenees mountain range. The castle is not only a monument to the French monarchy but also a symbol of the unique identity of the Béarn region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C66912151922221915107
Rain mm10277808792725353598211591

📋 Practical info

📍
Address
Rue du Château, 64000 Pau
🕒
Hours
Mon-Sun 09:30-11:45, 14:00-17:00 (winter); 09:30-12:15, 13:30-17:45 (summer)
💶
Entry
€7 adults, free for under 26s (EU citizens)
🌐
Website
chateau-pau.fr
🚌
Transit
Place de Verdun bus station (lines T1, T2, T3) or Pau train station
🅿️
Parking
Place de Verdun parking lot (15 min walk), approx. €2 per day
♿
Accessibility
Partially accessible, elevator available for the upper floors
📷
Photos
Photography permitted in the rooms without flash, no tripods
⭐
Best time
Weekday mornings to avoid school groups
🎧
Audio guide
Available in DE, EN, FR, ES

Geography

Coordinates
43.29000, -0.37000

Facts

  • Henry IV was born in the castle on December 13, 1553.
  • The castle houses one of the most important tapestry collections in France.
  • The 'Tour Gaston Fébus' brick tower stands 33 meters high.
  • Napoleon III ordered an extensive restoration of the castle in the 19th century.
  • The castle was officially classified as a Monument Historique in 1840.
  • The famous turtle shell allegedly belonged to a green sea turtle.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PauPau<1 km · NExplore →
📍Jurançon1 km · WExplore →
📍Billère3 km · NWExplore →
📍Lons4 km · NWExplore →
📍Idron4 km · EExplore →
📍Gan7 km · SExplore →
📍Oloron-Sainte-Marie22 km · SWExplore →
📍Mourenx23 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Château de Pau (10)

Le Tour des Géants🏛 museum

The open-air museum features sculptures and stations about the history of the Tour de France.

🕒 24/7♿🆓

Pau funicular

The funicular railway connects the lower town with the castle district in Pau, France.

🕒 Mo-Sa 06:45-21:40; Su 13:30-20:50

Pavillon des Arts

The museum in Pau hosts changing art exhibitions and cultural events.

Jardin persan

The gallery showcases Persian art and crafts in Pau.

Église Saint-Martin

Saint-Martin church is located in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France.

Jansen

Jansen gallery in Pau exhibits contemporary artworks.

Hôtel de Ville

Pau's town hall also houses a theatre and serves as the city administration.

Hôtel de Gassion🏰 castle

The Hôtel de Gassion building in Pau is a former noble mansion.

Atelier Extension

Atelier Extension art centre in Pau provides spaces for creative work.

Théâtre Saint-Louis

Théâtre Saint-Louis in Pau is a venue for plays and concerts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who was born in the Château de Pau?
Henry IV, the future King of France, was born here in 1553.
What is the most famous exhibit?
The cradle made from a turtle shell, in which Henry IV is said to have slept as an infant.
Are the gardens free to visit?
Yes, the park and Renaissance gardens surrounding the castle are free and open to the public.
Is a guided tour required for the castle?
The interior of the National Museum within the castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour for security reasons.
When is the castle closed?
The castle is open daily, except on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Château de Pau: where is it located?
Château de Pau is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
Château de Pau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Le Tour des Géants, Pau funicular, Pavillon des Arts.
Château de Pau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Château de Pau: why is it worth visiting?
The Château de Pau is one of the most significant residences in southwestern France, world-renowned as the birthplace of Henry IV, the first Bourbon King of France.
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