PAu

Pau is a city in southwestern France, serving as the prefecture of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is located in the Béarn plain at the foothills of the western Pyrenees, along the Gave de Pau river. The city is known for its scenic setting, notably the view from the Boulevard des Pyrénées toward the surrounding mountains. Pau has a temperate climate with relatively mild winters and warm summers, which supports a substantial amount of outdoor activity and tourism.

Historically, Pau was the capital of the former Béarn province and a key center within the realm of Navarre. It later became integrated into the kingdom of France. The Château de Pau, perched above the old town, is one of the city's major landmarks and is celebrated as the birthplace of Henry IV of France. The site now functions as a museum that highlights Béarnese and French royal history. Pau is also associated with Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, born there in 1763, who later became King Charles XIV John of Sweden.

Culturally, Pau hosts museums, theaters, and cultural events that reflect its Béarnaise heritage and regional identity. The city serves as an educational and administrative hub for the surrounding area and is home to the University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour (UPPA), a public university with faculties and research activities spanning multiple disciplines.

Transportation options connect Pau to the surrounding region and beyond. Pau-Pyrénées Airport serves as a regional air link, and the city is connected by rail and road networks to other towns in the Basque Country and the broader Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine areas. This combination of historic landmarks, educational institutions, and mountain access makes Pau a regional center for culture, learning, and tourism.