Hire a car in Pau and you can be on the beach or in the mountains within the hour.
The Sanctuary of Lourdes, one of the most visited sites in France is easily accessed, it receives some 5 million visitors per year.
nearby are beautiful historic and natural sites such as Henry IV's castle and birthplace in Pau, the natural circus of Gavarnie ,dozens of museums, the caves at Betharram and numerous other cultural and historic sites..
There are also a vast variety of leisure and sporting activities making Pau popular with a diverse range of visitors; canoeing, mountain biking, hiking,rafting and fishing to name but a few
A mild climate makes outdoor activities a year round possibility.
Pau became very popular with the British In the 19th century when the curative powers of its mild climate were first recognised and it's popularity led to the term:``La ville Anglaise''. A golf course, steeple-chasing, and fine English-style architecture all bear testament to their influence.
Pau has a thriving cafe and bar life and a host of restaurants and brasserie to choose from .
Hire a car in Pau and you can explore the Parc National des Pyrénées here dwell some of Europe’s most exciting wildlife including brown bears,royal eagles and chamois, At Laruns there is a large reserve for the griffon vulture. At Lescun you will find the Needles of Ansabère, a natural amphitheatre of craggy limestone peaks rising to the top of Pic d’Anie.
The usual range of quality accommodation is available from rural gites and chambres d'hotes to top of the range hotels in the city itself and the surrounding area.