Pau, Francia | la ciudad más sorprendente de Francia 🏰✨ | Walking Tour 🇫🇷

Pau, Francia | la ciudad más sorprendente de Francia 🏰✨ | Walking Tour 🇫🇷

Hello everyone and welcome to Pau! 🌞 Today the atmosphere is more vibrant than ever… because the city is in the middle of a marathon! 🏃‍♀️🎉 Look at the energy in the streets: runners, applause, music, joy. There’s no better day to walk with us through this gem of southwest France. 🇫🇷 Let’s discover together an elegant city, full of history, charm, and breathtaking views. 🌄 Our walk begins here, on the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées, the most spectacular balcony in southern France. From here, you can see the entire valley, and if the day is clear, the Pyrenees look like a hand-painted mural. And since today is marathon day, Pau is buzzing with a contagious sporting spirit. We now enter Square George V, a green, elegant, and tranquil corner, which on this marathon day is filled with applause, laughter, and energy. This garden is named after King George V of England, a nod to the time when the British were frequent visitors to the city. 🇬🇧 This Boulevard d’Aragon is one of the city’s most important thoroughfares. Its name recalls the neighboring region of the Kingdom of Aragon, a historical reference that underscores the ancient ties between France and Spain. 🇫🇷🇪🇸 From here, you can admire part of the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées, with its spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains. It’s no wonder that Napoleon III himself declared Pau to be “the city with the purest air in Europe.” This boulevard was laid out by order of Napoleon I, but its modern charm was cemented in the 19th century when Pau became a fashionable seaside resort. 🏛️ This Boulevard des Pyrénées stretches for 1.8 kilometers of pure beauty, a natural balcony connecting Pau Castle with Beaumont Park. 😍 On clear days, more than 80 peaks are visible from here, including the famous Pic du Midi d’Ossau, an emblem of Béarn. For centuries, kings and aristocrats strolled here to enjoy the scenery and breathe the “pure” air so praised by Napoleon III. 🌬️ Pau is the capital of Béarn and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in southwestern France. The city has about 77,000 inhabitants, though the metropolitan area boasts over 200,000. And here we have the Pau Funicular, inaugurated in 1908. It’s one of the oldest modes of transport in the city still in operation! It connects the lower part of the city with the Boulevard des Pyrénées, saving you effort and offering breathtaking views as you go up or down. 🌄 Originally powered by water and counterweights, it was later modernized with electricity… century-old technology in action! ⚡ This spot also offers views of the Gave de Pau river, which meanders peacefully beneath the city. 🌊 Here we have the Table d’Orientation, the ideal vantage point for identifying all the Pyrenean peaks visible from Pau. 🏔️ The Pic du Midi d’Ossau, at 2,884 meters, is one of the most iconic peaks in Béarn. The climate here is mild and pleasant year-round: temperate winters and perfect summers for strolling along these boulevards and squares. ☀️ Now we’ll see the Church of Saint Martin, a 14th-century gem that has witnessed centuries of history in the heart of Pau. 🏰 Built in the late Gothic style, its tower and belfry stand out among the buildings in the city center, a reminder of the city’s religious significance. ⛪ And here we have the Monument to the Dead for the Freedom of Pau, dedicated to those who fought for the city’s liberty. 🇫🇷 The First World War (1914–1918) had a profound impact on Pau: many young men from Béarn were mobilized, and the monument commemorates those who never returned. ⚔️ During the Second World War (1939–1945), Pau was briefly occupied by German troops, and the local resistance organized to protect the inhabitants and maintain their freedom. ✊ And so, as we continue through the city, we are reminded that every street, every square, and every monument tells us stories of sacrifice, freedom, and community. 🏛️💚 The history of Pau begins in the Middle Ages, around the 11th century, when it was just a wooden fortress built on a natural promontory overlooking the Gave de Pau river. Its name, in fact, comes from the Béarnese word “pal” or “pau,” meaning “stake,” referring to the defensive palisades that protected that small castle. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Pau grew up around this fortress and became a strategic town in Béarn. Defending the border against invaders from the south and west. At that time, Béarn was a proud and somewhat independent land, with its own language, laws, and customs. Here we are in front of the Château de Pau, birthplace of Henri IV, King of France and Navarre. A place steeped in royal history! 👑 In the 15th century, Pau became the capital of the sovereign state of Béarn. Pau’s history changed forever when the Albret family established their court here, transforming the city into a small but refined center of power. In 1553, Henri de Navarre was born here in the castle. He would later become Henri IV of France and Navarre, the first king of the Bourbon dynasty. Historical tidbit: Did you know that the current King of Spain, Felipe VI, is a direct descendant of Henri IV of France? 👑🇫🇷➡️🇪🇸 Since 1700, all Spanish kings have belonged to this branch, uniting the history of France and Spain through the Bourbons. ✨ The birth of Henri IV profoundly impacted Pau. According to tradition, his grandfather ordered that his lips be rubbed with Jurançon wine and garlic so that he would grow up strong, wise, and brave. 🍷🧄 And it seems it worked! Henri IV remains one of France’s most beloved kings. As we walk, let’s imagine the soldiers, nobles, and citizens of yesteryear walking these same walls and courtyards. 👒🎩 Here we see the statue of Gaston Fébus, with his dog at his feet. He was Count of Foix and Viscount of Béarn in the 14th century, famous for his courage, cunning, and love of hunting. 🏰🐕 It is said that he ruled Béarn almost as an independent state, standing firm between France, England, and Aragon. A feudal lord who was not easily impressed! ⚔️ Here in front of us is the Basse-Plante, a beautiful area at the foot of the castle, full of history, greenery, and natural charm. For centuries, this area was farmland and orchards that supplied the upper town. 🥕🌽 The castle combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, reflecting its architectural evolution over the centuries. 🏰 Today, the castle houses the Musée national et domaine du château de Pau, with collections on history, art, and the life of Henri IV. 🎨 As you walk around the castle, you can appreciate this medieval wall, a reminder of its defensive function. 🏯 Elegant towers and carved windows, typical of the French Renaissance. This is where the horses drank. 🐎 Before us rises the Tour de la Monnaie, or Mint Tower, a medieval jewel that guarded the entrance to the castle. 🏰 Here, the Béarn currency was minted, a symbol of the region’s economic independence. 💰 The tower was part of the defensive system surrounding the castle: thick walls, embrasures, and strategic views of the river. 🧱 Its location is no accident; from here, the passage of the Gave River and the trade arriving from the south were controlled. 🚢 Now let’s go up and see the castle in more detail. ✨ For centuries, the Château de Pau was a symbol of power, but also of culture. During the Renaissance, it was expanded with elegant galleries, gardens, and rich decoration. Dogs are not allowed inside the castle. Later, during the French Revolution, the castle was looted, but Napoleon III ordered its restoration in the 19th century, returning it to its former glory. Before becoming French, Pau was one of the capitals of the Kingdom of Navarre, an independent kingdom that emerged in the 9th century at the foot of the Pyrenees. Its territory stretched across both sides of the mountain range, including the north (present-day Béarn and Lower Navarre, now France) and the south (Pamplona, ​​Estella, and Tudela, now Spain). For centuries, Navarre was a small but strategically important power, situated between two giants: France and Castile. In 1512, Ferdinand the Catholic, King of Aragon and Castile, invaded Navarre, annexing its southern part to the Spanish Crown. The Parliament of Navarre, one of Pau’s most emblematic buildings, stands here, and its history is directly linked to the political identity of Béarn and the former Kingdom of Navarre. However, the northern part of the kingdom—Lower Navarre—resisted, and its monarchs maintained their independence with Pau as their capital. The kings of Navarre from the Foix-Béarn lineage ruled here, including Henry II of Navarre and Jeanne d’Albret, mother of Henry IV of France. With Henry IV, the dynastic union of the kingdoms of France and Navarre took place, although Navarre officially maintained its identity until 1620, when Louis XIII definitively incorporated it into the French kingdom. We entered one of Pau’s most fascinating and historically rich places. A blend of styles reflecting the evolution of power in Navarre and France. This courtyard was the setting for courtly festivities, diplomatic receptions, and royal oaths. Imagine the colorful robes, the sound of trumpets, and the aroma of banquets. The very heart of the power of the ancient Kingdom of Navarre. 🏰 Everything around us breathes history: every stone has witnessed kings, conspiracies, wars, and legends. This castle was originally a 12th-century medieval fortress, built on this strategic hill to dominate the Gave de Pau valley. But over the centuries, it was transformed from a defensive bastion into an elegant Renaissance residence, thanks to the Albret and Bourbon families. I’m back, Snoopy! ❣️ The Pyrenees. The Tour de France. Occitan Cross. Flag of the Basque Country. Pau does not officially belong to the Occitanie region, but rather to Nouvelle-Aquitaine, within the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. However, its cultural and linguistic roots are deeply intertwined with the Occitan and Béarnais languages, the latter being a variant of Occitan. Occitan (or langue d’oc) was spoken in Pau until the 19th century and is still preserved in expressions, street names, and festivals. The coat of arms of Béarn, depicting two golden cows on a red background, differs from that of Occitania, which displays the Occitan cross (a golden cross with circles at the points on a red background). However, both share the colors red and gold, symbolizing their shared history and influences. The coat of arms of Béarn can still be seen on many public buildings in Pau, a reminder of its independent past and its cultural connection to Occitania. Pau, like Toulouse or Albi (in Occitanie), shares that southern French atmosphere. Traditional music, bullfights, open-air markets, cuisine with Gascon and Navarrese influences, and a love of the good life (l’art de vivre). We’re looking at the Church of Saint-Martin, Pau’s most important church. This bell tower reaches 77 meters in height, visible from almost anywhere in the city. Let’s take a look inside! 👀 The acoustics here are great! 🎶 The spiritual soul of Pau. Now we’ll see it from a different angle, from Rue Adoue, where you can appreciate the full force of its architecture. Look at these buttresses, typical of the Gothic style, designed to support the weight of the high interior vaults. In the 19th century, Pau experienced a second golden age, this time as a luxury tourist destination. The British, captivated by the mild climate and views of the Pyrenees, transformed Pau into one of Europe’s first winter resorts. It was primarily British high society that discovered Pau: aristocrats, retired military officers, and wealthy merchants came seeking health and relaxation. The fresh air and beautiful scenery were considered therapeutic, especially for respiratory problems, so common in London and other industrial cities. It is said that some English even arrived with horses and carriages from the port of Bayonne, settling in for several months to enjoy the sun and nature. 🐎☀️ To accommodate these international visitors, Pau underwent an urban transformation. Luxury hotels, stately villas, and chalets with English-style gardens were built. The boulevards and promenades were improved, such as the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées, designed to take in the views of the Pyrenees and the sunsets. Equestrian clubs, casinos, and golf courses were established, catering to the leisure needs of the aristocracy. The result was a city that blended Béarn tradition with cosmopolitan elegance. Pau is famous for having the first golf course in continental Europe, opened in 1856. Yes, before Paris, before Spain or Germany! Golf was also a symbol of social status and the British lifestyle. During the Middle Ages, this street was part of the oldest urban fabric, connecting the castle to the lower town. We are approaching the Église Saint-Jacques, a historic church linked to the tradition of the Camino de Santiago, as many pilgrims crossing Béarn stopped here on their way to Spain. Its name is reminiscent of Santiago de Compostela, patron saint of pilgrims. 🏞️ The building combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, reflecting centuries of history and architectural changes. It sounded just right for us! Incredible! ✨ This church has served both for local religious life and for welcoming travelers and pilgrims. First the bell, and now the organ! ✨ We continued our stroll through Pau, carrying a piece of its melody with us. If you’re wondering why there are so few people in the streets and the shops are closed, it’s because today is Sunday, and people are taking the opportunity to rest. We arrived at the Square de la Libération, a place dedicated to memory and freedom. Here, the young people of the Basses-Pyrénées who gave their lives for their country are honored. 🇫🇷 Now we see the Pau Courthouse, an imposing building that symbolizes authority and the administration of justice in the region. If you enjoyed this tour of Pau, don’t forget to subscribe and join the group of digital world explorers! Hit that like button… because likes help too! 💪 Turn on notifications and let each video be your alarm, signaling your excitement to discover a new place. 🔔 Leave a comment telling us what your favorite spot in Pau has been so far. 💬 Share this video before you forget… the algorithm is watching us and helping us grow. 🤗 And finally, check out the channel. We promise more urban adventures and charming corners. 👀 Did you know that… just like golf, horse racing arrived in Pau with the British in the 19th century? 🐴 Races, betting, and top hats. 🏇 The Pau Hippodrome was founded in 1842, making it the oldest racecourse in continental Europe. The idea came from the British, who wanted to recreate their sporting traditions. Around the racetrack, social events, betting, and parades were organized, turning Pau into a kind of 19th-century equestrian Monte Carlo. The track is located in Pont-Long, north of the city, and is still active today, hosting steeplechase, trotting, and galloping races. In winter, the Grand Prix de Pau is one of the most important events on the French equestrian calendar, keeping the tradition alive. It’s incredible how Pau was reborn thanks to a foreign community, in this case, the British, which completely transformed its identity. Sometimes it doesn’t take centuries, just an enthusiastic community to change everything. ✨ Pau is only an hour from the ocean and also from the Pyrenean ski slopes, giving it a unique “sea and mountain” experience rarely seen in European cities. Pau is strategically located, making it easily accessible from both Spain and the rest of France. 🚗 Pau-Pyrénées Airport is only 10 kilometers from the city center. It has direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other French cities, as well as seasonal international connections. From Paris, the TGV arrives in Pau in about 4 hours and 30 minutes, with stops in Bordeaux and Dax. There are also regional trains connecting to Toulouse, Bayonne, and Tarbes. If you’re coming from Spain, Pau is about 2 hours from San Sebastián and 3 hours from Bilbao. From Bordeaux, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The route offers beautiful scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and mountains. What a welcome! ✨ A band playing just for us… although I suspect it’s also for the marathon. 😅 But hey, let’s pretend the parade is for our arrival in Pau. 🤣 Throughout our journey, the marathon runners are accompanying us like heroes, and you all back home are too! So… we’re all celebrating! 👏🏻 And so ends our walk through Pau, a city that blends French elegance with the soul of the Pyrenees. We hope you felt the Pyrenean breeze, heard its history, and experienced its energy as much as we did. After so much walking, admiring, and dodging runners, we survived Pau! 😄 If you enjoyed the walk, don’t forget to subscribe, like, share the video, and hit the bell 🔔 to keep traveling with us every week. I have to go get my medal too! 🥇 Thank you for joining us on this adventure, and may the next walk be even more beautiful!

🚀 ¡Bienvenidos a Pau! 🇫🇷
Recorremos a pie esta elegante ciudad del suroeste de Francia, cuna de Enrique IV y llena de historia, arquitectura, cultura y vistas espectaculares de los Pirineos. 🏰🏔️
Disfruta del Boulevard des Pyrénées, el Castillo de Pau, la Église Saint-Martin, el Parlement de Navarre y muchos rincones sorprendentes, todo mientras la ciudad celebra su maratón, con música y corredores que animan las calles. 🏃‍♂️🎺
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