Where to Stay in Pau: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods
Updated 12 August 2026 · 39 real hotels
Pau's city centre is the best base for most visitors, putting you within walking distance of the Château de Pau, the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées and the main restaurants. For a quieter stay near event venues and the Zénith arena, Pau Nord is a solid alternative with good road access.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel Eco Relais ★ | Lons : à 3,9 km de Pau | ★ 3.3 | 37 €/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 |
| Brit Hotel Essentiel Pau Lescar ★★ | Pau : à 7,3 km | ★ 4.2 | 53 €/nuit |
| All Suites Appart Hôtel | Pau - Zénith ★★★ | Pau Nord | ★ 4.2 | 57 €/nuit |
| ibis Budget Pau Est ★★ | Bizanos : à 3,5 km de Pau | ★ 4.1 | 57 €/nuit |
| ibis budget Pau Lescar ★★ | Pau : à 5,4 km | ★ 4.3 | 60 €/nuit |
| B&B HOTEL Pau Lescar ★★ | Pau : à 7,2 km | ★ 4.3 | 61 €/nuit |
| Hotel Bosquet Pau Centre ★★ | Centre-ville de Pau | ★ 2.9 | 64 €/nuit |
Pau sits at the edge of the French Pyrenees in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, at an elevation that grants the city one of the most celebrated panoramic views in France: the Boulevard des Pyrénées stretches along a natural terrace with the mountain peaks laid out to the south like a painted backdrop. The English community that settled here in the 19th century left behind wide parks, golf courses (Pau Golf Club is the oldest on the continent) and a certain unhurried elegance that still shapes the city today.
Beyond the scenery, Pau is a practical gateway. It connects travellers to the Pyrenean valleys (Ossau, Aspe, Barétous), to Lourdes 45 km east and to the Basque Country less than an hour west. The city has a real local life, a covered market (Les Halles), a university population and a motorsport heritage tied to its historic street circuit. Staying here means enjoying a mid-size French city that is genuinely lived in, not merely visited.
Which area to stay in Pau?
- City Centre (Centre-ville): The right choice for the vast majority of visitors. The Château de Pau, the Boulevard des Pyrénées, Les Halles market, the funicular and the main dining streets are all walkable. The highest concentration of hotels sits here, from budget three-stars to the five-star Parc Beaumont.
- Parc Beaumont district: A refined pocket of the centre built around a landscaped park and the congress centre. Calm at night, close to the casino and the historic tennis club. Ideal for travellers who want greenery without leaving the urban core.
- Pau Nord / Zénith area: Located north of the railway line, near the Palais des Sports and the Zénith concert hall. Less atmospheric than the centre but convenient for event-goers, business travellers arriving by car and anyone who prefers modern, quieter surroundings at competitive rates.
- Quartier du Hédas: A small historic ravine neighbourhood tucked below the castle, known for its bar terraces and local atmosphere. Useful reference point for short-stay visitors who want character and proximity to the old town.
- Jurançon (across the Gave de Pau river): Technically a separate commune, but minutes from the centre by car or bus. Known for its AOC white wine. A quieter, residential alternative with a few independent accommodation options for travellers happy to drive.
Good to know
- Getting from the airport to the centre: Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF) is about 12 km northwest of the city. Taxis take roughly 20 minutes. There is no direct rail link; a shuttle bus service (Navette Aéroport) connects the airport to the train station on flight days. Renting a car at the airport is straightforward if you plan to explore the Pyrenean valleys.
- Getting around Pau itself: The city centre is compact and walkable. A free funicular connects the lower town (train station area) to the upper town (Château, Boulevard des Pyrénées) in under two minutes. Local buses (Idelis network) cover the wider urban area affordably.
- Best season to visit: Spring (April to June) offers mild weather, blooming parks and the clearest mountain views before summer haze. September and October are excellent for hiking access and the grape harvest in Jurançon. July and August are warm and busy; book hotels early, especially around the Pau Grand Prix Heritage events.
- Book early for events: Pau hosts recurring events including motorsport demonstrations on its historic street circuit, the Pau Grand Prix (Formula 3, usually May) and concerts at the Zénith. Hotel availability in the centre tightens significantly during these periods.
- Pyrenean day trips and car use: If you plan excursions to the Pyrenees (Pic du Midi, Cauterets, Gavarnie, Lourdes), a car is strongly recommended. Several hotels in Pau Nord and on the city outskirts offer easier parking than the dense city centre, where paid underground car parks are the practical solution.
What to know about hotels in Pau?
What is the best area to stay in Pau for a first visit?+
The city centre is the best choice for a first visit. It places you within easy reach of the Château de Pau, the Boulevard des Pyrénées panorama, the covered market and most restaurants. Hotels there range from the 3-star Hôtel Le Roncevaux at 71 € per night to the 5-star Parc Beaumont Hôtel at 224 € per night, so there is something for most budgets.
When is the best time of year to visit Pau?+
Late spring (May and June) is widely considered the best period: temperatures are pleasant, the Pyrenees are often clear of haze and tourist crowds are moderate. Autumn (September and October) is also excellent, particularly for hikers and wine lovers during the Jurançon harvest season. Midsummer is warm but busier and hotel prices tend to rise.
How do I get from Pau Pyrénées Airport to the city centre?+
The airport is about 12 km from the centre, roughly 20 minutes by taxi. A dedicated airport shuttle (Navette Aéroport) links the airport to the train station on operating days; check the Idelis or airport website for current schedules. Many visitors also rent a car directly at the airport, which is practical if Pyrenean excursions are planned.
What is the average hotel budget for a night in Pau?+
Based on available options, comfortable 3-star and 4-star hotels in Pau centre start around 69 to 89 € per night. Aparthotels such as Appart'City Confort or Quality Aparthotel Pau Porte des Pyrénées fall in the 72 to 79 € range and suit longer stays. The top end is represented by Parc Beaumont Hôtel at 224 € per night for a five-star experience.
Is a car necessary to explore Pau and the surrounding region?+
For Pau city itself, a car is not essential: the centre is walkable, the funicular is free and local buses are adequate. However, if you plan day trips to the Pyrenean valleys, Lourdes or the Basque Country, a car is strongly recommended because public transport connections to mountain destinations are limited.
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