Hotels in Pau: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 17 September 2026 · 42 real hotels
Pau's city centre is the go-to area for most visitors: walkable, historic, and close to the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées with its Pyrenees panorama. Travelers heading to events at the Zénith or Palais des Sports will find better value in the northern district, while Bizanos offers budget options just a short drive from the center.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel Eco Relais ★ | Lons : à 3,9 km de Pau | ★ 3.3 | 38 €/nuit |
| Hôtel Montilleul | Pau Nord | ★ 3.4 | 43 €/nuit |
| Hotel Premiere Classe Pau EST Bizanos ★★ | Bizanos : à 3,4 km de Pau | ★ 4.2 | 44 €/nuit |
| Quick Palace Pau ★★ | Pau Nord | ★ 4.2 | 48 €/nuit |
| All Suites Appart Hôtel | Pau - Zénith ★★★ | Pau Nord | ★ 4.2 | 53 €/nuit |
| Brit Hotel Essentiel Pau Lescar ★★ | Pau : à 7,3 km | ★ 4.2 | 53 €/nuit |
| ibis budget Pau Lescar ★★ | Pau : à 5,4 km | ★ 4.3 | 56 €/nuit |
| ibis Budget Pau Est ★★ | Bizanos : à 3,5 km de Pau | ★ 4.1 | 57 €/nuit |
| Hotel Bosquet Pau Centre ★★ | Centre-ville de Pau | ★ 2.8 | 60 €/nuit |
Pau sits at the foot of the Pyrenees in the Béarn region of southwestern France, and it earns its reputation as one of the most elegantly laid-out mid-size French cities. The Boulevard des Pyrénées, a 1.8-kilometer promenade overlooking the mountain range, sets the tone: this is a city that takes its views seriously. Victor Hugo called it the finest view in Europe, and on a clear winter morning when the snow-capped peaks glow in low light, that claim feels reasonable.
Beyond the scenery, Pau is a city with real substance. It is the birthplace of King Henri IV, home to a lively university population, and a major hub for the aeronautics industry. The city also carries a long history as a destination for British and aristocratic wintering travelers, which explains the golf courses, the fox-hunting traditions, and a certain unhurried refinement that still marks daily life. For visitors, that translates into good restaurants, a pleasant old town, and a manageable scale that makes getting around easy without a car.
Which area to stay in Pau?
- Centre-ville (City Centre): The best all-round base for most visitors. The château, the Boulevard des Pyrénées, the covered market, and the main restaurant strip are all within walking distance. Hotels here range from budget to luxury, and the funicular connecting the lower town to the upper plateau runs daily.
- Pau Nord (Zénith / Palais des Sports area): A practical choice if you are attending a concert, trade fair, or sports event at the Zénith or Palais des Sports. Less atmospheric than the centre but well served by road, and hotels here offer solid value for the standard.
- Bizanos: A quiet residential commune immediately east of Pau, around 3.4 km from the city centre. Accommodation here is limited but notably cheap, and it suits drivers who want to keep costs low and do not mind a short commute.
- Jurançon: The wine-producing hillside suburb just south of Pau, known for its sweet and dry white wines. A peaceful alternative with a village feel, best for travelers with a car who want to combine city visits with countryside relaxation.
- Gare / République quarter: The area around Pau's train station is central and convenient for rail travelers. It connects easily to the rest of the city on foot or by bus, with a mix of mid-range hotels and local cafes.
Good to know
- Getting from the airport to the centre: Pau Pyrénées Airport (TLN) is roughly 7 km northwest of the city centre. Taxis are the most straightforward option. A shuttle bus service also operates on certain routes, so check current schedules before arrival. Journey time by car is around 15 minutes outside rush hour.
- Getting around Pau without a car: The city centre is very walkable. The free funicular (funiculaire) connects the lower railway station area to the upper Boulevard des Pyrénées in about two minutes and is a Pau institution. IDELIS buses cover the broader urban area if you need to reach outlying districts.
- Best season to visit: Spring (April to June) offers mild temperatures, green Pyrenees views, and the famous Pau Grand Prix historic motor race in May. Autumn is also pleasant. Summers are warm but not extreme. Winter is the traditional season for clear mountain panoramas, though some days bring heavy cloud cover.
- Booking timing: Pau is a conference and business city as well as a tourism destination, so rooms can fill quickly around major events at the Zénith, trade shows, or the Grand Prix weekend in late May. Book at least three to four weeks ahead for those periods.
- Driving and parking: If you arrive by car, the city centre has paid parking zones. Some hotels include parking or offer it at a supplement, so confirm this at the time of booking, particularly for the centre-ville properties.
What to know about hotels in Pau?
What is the best area to stay in Pau for first-time visitors?+
The city centre (Centre-ville) is the most convenient base. It puts you within walking distance of the château, the Boulevard des Pyrénées panorama, the market halls, and the main dining options. Hotels there range from the budget-friendly Hôtel Le Roncevaux at 63 euros per night to the five-star Parc Beaumont Hôtel and Spa at 227 euros per night.
What is the best time of year to visit Pau?+
Late spring, particularly May and June, is widely considered the best period: the weather is mild, the Pyrenees are still snow-capped, and the city hosts the historic Pau Grand Prix motor race. Autumn (September to October) is a quieter alternative with good weather and the Jurançon wine harvest nearby.
What is the average hotel budget for a night in Pau?+
Based on available options, you can find decent two or three-star accommodation from around 44 to 73 euros per night, mid-range four-star hotels from roughly 75 to 98 euros, and the top five-star option at 227 euros per night. The city is generally more affordable than Bordeaux or Biarritz.
How do you get from Pau Pyrénées Airport to the city centre?+
The airport is about 7 km from the centre, making a taxi the simplest option with a journey of around 15 minutes. A shuttle bus also connects the airport to the city on certain schedules, so it is worth checking current timetables before your trip. Car rental is widely available at the airport for those planning to explore the Pyrenees region.
Is Pau a good base for day trips to the Pyrenees?+
Yes, Pau is one of the best gateway cities for the Pyrenees in France. The Ossau Valley, Lourdes, Gavarnie, and the Col du Tourmalet are all within a one to two-hour drive. A rental car is strongly recommended for mountain excursions, as public transport links to the high valleys are limited.
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