A monument, a story

The Bristol Pau hotel takes you to discover the historic building of the city of Pau, its castle located in the centre of the old town.

Standing in the heart of the city, facing the Pyrenees, on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Gave, the castle of Pau is the emblematic monument of this city and their evolution is closely linked.

A feudal castle that over the centuries became a royal, imperial and national palace, then a museum, the Château de Pau offers visitors a real immersion in local and national history. The architecture of the monument bears witness to over a thousand years of history.

From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the centuries have left their mark on its walls and decor. Many historical figures have left their mark on this place, and above all, that of Henri IV, the first King of France and Navarre, who was born here on December 13, 1553.

In the second half of the 14th century, the castle of Pau was radically transformed by Gaston III, Count of Foix and Viscount of Bearn (1343-1391).

This extraordinary character has gone down in history as "Gaston Fébus", a nickname he chose for himself in reference to his blond hair.

In October 1620, the château was the scene of a momentous event in the history of the Béarn region: the arrival in Pau of King Louis XIII, who had an edict recorded concerning the reunion of Béarn and Navarre with the kingdom of France... and ordered that part of the ceremonial furniture and collection of paintings still in place be taken to Paris. Since Henri IV's departure, the château has been entrusted to the care of governors.

From 1623 to the French Revolution, members of the eminent de Gramont family, originally from Bidache, held this office in succession.

It was Napoleon III's turn to continue the renovation of the Château de Pau. While the interior decoration, already almost complete under the July monarchy, underwent only minimal modifications, the same was not true of the building: the facades were reworked, and the Renaissance sculptures of the dormers, doors and windows restored or recreated.‍

Visit to the castle

Just a ten-minute walk through the pedestrian streets, the Hotel Bristol Pau offers you the opportunity to visit this historic building, now considered a museum.

Access to parks and gardens is free all year round.

Numerous free admission measures and special rates are in place at the castle as in all other national museums.

You have access to special rates offering you a discount on the price for under 18s, students, 18-25s...

You will be asked for valid proof of identity at the ticket office

Access to temporary exhibitions organized by the museum is often free.

Access to temporary exhibitions is free of charge.

A "Pass Pau" is available and distributed by the Pau-Pyrenees Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Pass Pau allows you to combine several offers: a visit to the Château de Pau, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Bernadotte.