Pau is a commune on the northern edge of the Pyrenees, capital of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques Département in Aquitaine. It was also the capital of the historical Béarn Province. It forms the communauté d’agglomération of Pau-Pyrénées with 13 neighbouring communes to carry out local tasks together. Place Clemenceau, the heart of the downtown area, is the site of many public festivals, great shopping, and a beautiful fountain.
In the centre of Pau is a large castle, the Château de Pau, that dominates that quarter of the city. It is famous as the birthplace of Henry IV, the 16th-century king of France. Its small garden was tended by Marie Antoinette when she spent her summers in the city. Napoleon used it as a holiday home during his period in power. The château has been designated as a French historical monument and holds a collection of tapestry. King Charles XIV of Sweden, the first royal Bernadotte, was also born in Pau. The castle was built near the river, Gave de Pau, which provides a scenic spot for kayaking and fishing. Near the château is a large park with walking trails and plenty of open space, for outdoor activities in the middle of the city. Parc Beaumont has views of the Pyrenees. Pau is known for its green spaces and is said to have more green space per inhabitant than any other European city.
Since 1930, Pau has become a mainstay of the Tour de France cycling race, thanks both to its geographical location and to its marvelous infrastructure. Perhaps the highest-profile sporting event is the Étoiles de Pau (“Stars of Pau”). Held annually in October, it is one of only six annual competitions in eventing that receive the highest rating of CCI**** from equestrianism‘s world governing body, the FEI. Pau Golf Club from 1856 is one of the oldest golf clubs in continental Europe.
[caption id="attachment_210089" align="aligncenter" width="491"] Ludwig van Beethoven by Joseph Karl Stieler[/caption][responsivevoice_button voice="UK English Female" buttontext="Listen to this Post"]Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist; his music is amongst the most performed of ...
