Hotels in Pau: Where to Stay in 2025

Why Pau deserves a proper stay

Pau sits at the edge of the Pyrenees foothills in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, roughly 200 km south of Bordeaux. From the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées, a long terrace promenade laid out at Napoleon III's request, you can see the snow-capped peaks on clear days. The city has a genuine urban core with a royal château, a lively market hall, Basque-influenced gastronomy and a mild Atlantic-influenced climate that once made it a winter retreat for British and American visitors.

Pau is compact and walkable in its centre, yet well connected by motorway and by its own airport for those using it as a base for Pyrenean hiking, skiing at Cauterets or Gourette, or visiting nearby Lourdes and Bayonne. The pace is relaxed, the café terraces fill up year-round and accommodation pricing stays reasonable compared to larger French cities, which makes it easy to book a comfortable room without spending excessively.

• Centre-ville (city centre): The default choice for most travellers. You are within ten minutes on foot of the Château de Pau, the Boulevard des Pyrénées, the covered market and the main shopping streets. The free funicular connects the lower town to the upper town in under two minutes. Best for first-time visitors and those without a car.
• Quartier Beaumont / Parc Beaumont: A calm, elegant residential area bordering the Beaumont park and casino. Slightly removed from the busiest streets, it suits couples or business travellers who want greenery and quieter nights without giving up central access.
• Pau Nord (Zénith / Palais des Sports area): Located north of the railway tracks, this zone is more suburban and is the address of the Zénith concert hall and Palais des Sports. A practical base if you are attending a large event, travelling by car or prioritising lower room rates.
• Quartier du Hédas / Les Halles: The oldest and most atmospheric corner of the lower city, with the covered market, independent bars and traditional restaurants. Lively during market mornings, quieter in the evenings.
• Jurançon (across the river): A separate commune immediately south of Pau, famous for its appellation wine. Very residential and quiet, better suited to those with their own transport who want a village feel while staying close to the city.

• Use the free funicular: Pau's funicular connects the lower station near the Boulevard des Pyrénées to the upper town where the château stands. It runs regularly and saves a steep climb, especially with luggage.
• Travel in spring or autumn for the best Pyrenean views: The mountain panorama from the Boulevard des Pyrénées is clearest in April-May and September-October, after rain has washed the air. July and August are warmer but can be hazier.
• Book early around major events: The Grand Prix de Pau (street circuit motor racing, usually May) and concerts at the Zénith fill accommodation quickly. Prices and availability shift noticeably during these periods.
• A car is useful but not essential in the centre: The city centre is walkable and has a free shuttle bus. However, if you plan day trips to Lourdes (45 km), the Ossau valley or Bayonne (110 km), renting a car expands your options considerably.
• The train is the easiest link to Bayonne and Bordeaux: Pau station sits between the centre and Pau Nord. TGV and intercity services connect to Bayonne in about one hour and to Bordeaux in roughly two hours, making rail a reliable alternative to driving.

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