Pau Castle

A monument, a story

The Hotel Bristol Pau takes you on a tour of the city of Pau's historic building, its château, located in the center of the old town.

Standing in the heart of the city, facing the Pyrenees, on a rocky spur overlooking the Gave, Pau Castle is the city's most emblematic monument, and their development is closely linked.

A feudal castle that over the centuries became a royal, imperial, national palace and then a museum, Pau castle 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, not least 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 Château de Pau was radically transformed by Gaston III, Count of Foix and Viscount of Béarn (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 castle was the scene of a momentous event in the history of Béarn: the arrival in Pau of King Louis XIII, who had an edict recorded, reuniting Béarn and Navarre with the kingdom of France... and ordered some of the ceremonial furniture and the collection of paintings still in place to be taken to Paris. Since the departure of Henri IV, the castle 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 changes, the same was not true of the building: the facades were rebuilt, and the Renaissance sculptures of the dormers, doors and windows were restored or recreated.‍

Visit the castle

Just a ten-minute walk away via the pedestrian streets, the Hotel Bristol Pau gives you the chance to visit this historic building, now considered a museum.

Access to the parks and gardens is free all year round.

Numerous free admission measures and special rates have been introduced at the château, as in all other national museums.

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

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

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

Access to temporary exhibitions is free.

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 Pau Castle, a visit to the Fine Arts Museum and the Bernadotte Museum.