Pau history

Foundation and Origins of the Name

Unlike many French cities with ancient roots, the history of Pau begins in the Middle Ages. The first mentions of the settlement date back to the 12th century. The city emerged around a small fortified post built by the Viscounts of Béarn to control a strategically important ford across the Gave de Pau river.

The city's name is often linked to the Béarnese word "paü", which means "hedge" or "stake". According to legend, a palisade marked the boundaries of the lands allocated for the construction of the original castle, around which the city subsequently expanded.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of Pau from a military fortification into a significant administrative centre was driven by the following factors:

• Geography and Defence: Its location on a ridge above the river provided natural protection and allowed for the control of trade routes leading to the Pyrenees and the Spanish border.
• Political Status: A crucial event was the decision of the Viscounts to move the regional administrative centre here. In 1464, Pau officially became the capital of the historical province of Béarn.
• Architectural Development: In the 14th century, Gaston III de Foix (known as Gaston Fébus) turned the old fortress into a formidable brick castle, which became a symbol of the independence and strength of the local authority.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The city's true golden age occurred in the 16th century when Pau became the residence of the Kings of Navarre. Under the influence of the d'Albret family, the austere medieval fortress began to transform into an exquisite Renaissance palace surrounded by magnificent gardens.

A pivotal moment that defined the city's destiny was the birth here in 1553 of the future King of France, Henry IV. The presence of the royal court stimulated the economy, attracted artisans and artists, and formed the city's unique cultural identity as the "Cradle of the Bourbon Dynasty".

The Middle Ages and Renaissance

• Early 12th Century — Construction of the first fortified palisade, which gave the city its name (from the Béarnese "paü" — hedge).
• 1370–1378 — Gaston III de Foix (Gaston Fébus) significantly strengthens the castle and erects the brick keep (donjon).
• 1464 — Pau officially becomes the capital of the historical province of Béarn; the residence of the Viscounts is moved here.
• 1553 — Henry of Navarre, the future King of France Henry IV, is born in the Château de Pau.

The Modern Era

• 1620 — King Louis XIII signs the edict incorporating Béarn into France and creates the Parliament of Navarre in the city.
• 1763 — Birth of Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, a Napoleonic marshal who later became the King of Sweden and Norway.

19th and 20th Centuries

• 1842 — Scottish physician Alexander Taylor publishes a book on the healing climate of Pau, turning the city into a popular winter resort for the British aristocracy.
• 1863 — Opening of the railway connection, facilitating a mass influx of tourists and infrastructure development.
• 1909 — The Wright brothers open the world's first flight school in Pau, making the city a centre for nascent aviation.
• 1951 — The discovery of a major natural gas field in nearby Lacq gives a powerful boost to the economic and industrial development of the region.
• 1972 — Foundation of the University of Pau and the Adour Region (UPPA), cementing the city's status as an educational hub.

Stages of Development and Their Impact on the City

The history of Pau is a journey from a strategic fortress to a modern industrial and tourist centre. Several key milestones can be identified that defined the city's current economic and architectural character:

• Acquiring Capital Status (1464). Moving the capital of Béarn to Pau was the starting point for urbanisation. From a purely military site, the city turned into an administrative centre, leading to the construction of residential quarters for officials and nobility, forming the basis of the historic centre.
• Transformation into a Royal Residence (16th Century). Thanks to the d'Albret dynasty and the birth of Henry IV, the Château de Pau was transformed from a feudal citadel into a Renaissance palace. This attracted artists and architects to the city, laying the foundation for the rich cultural heritage that is a major magnet for tourists today.
• Creation of the Parliament of Navarre (1620). After joining France, the city retained its significance as the legal and judicial centre of the region. The influx of lawyers and parliamentarians contributed to the development of urban infrastructure and the construction of mansions, many of which survive to this day.
• The "English Period" and Resort Boom (19th Century). The discovery of Pau's climatic properties led to the massive construction of villas, grand hotels, and leisure facilities. It was during this period that the famous Boulevard des Pyrénées was created — the city's main promenade — as well as the first golf club on the continent. The city acquired the features of an aristocratic resort.
• Becoming an Aviation Centre (1909). The opening of the first flight school in the world by the Wright brothers forever linked Pau's economy with the aerospace industry. This event predetermined the region's modern specialisation: today, major aircraft manufacturing enterprises and military bases are located here.
• Discovery of the Lacq Field (1951). The discovery of huge natural gas reserves near the city caused explosive economic growth. This led to the modernisation of the transport network, the construction of new residential districts, and the creation of the university, turning Pau into an important scientific and industrial hub in the southwest of France.

Middle Ages and Renaissance: From Fortress to Palace

The urban core of Pau formed around a strategic high ground. The architectural dominant feature setting the tone for the historic centre is the Château de Pau (Castle of Pau), whose evolution clearly reflects the changing eras.

• Gothic and Fortification: The brick keep, erected by Gaston Fébus in the 14th century, represents an example of severe medieval military architecture. Massive walls and defensive structures were designed to demonstrate the power and impregnability of the Viscounts of Béarn.
• Renaissance: In the 16th century, thanks to the efforts of Marguerite of Navarre and the d'Albret dynasty, the fortress was transformed into a residence. A grand staircase, decorated facades, and formal gardens characteristic of the Renaissance period appeared.

At the foot of the castle, in the ravine of a former stream, lies the oldest district of the city — Le Hédas. For a long time, it remained a district of commoners with dense, chaotic buildings, but today it is a renovated quarter that has preserved its medieval atmosphere.

19th Century: Resort Architecture and Eclecticism

The 19th century had the greatest influence on the modern look of Pau, when the city became a popular winter resort ("Ville d'hiver") for the British and European aristocracy. During this period, the city expanded beyond its medieval boundaries, developing in an easterly direction.

• Boulevard des Pyrénées: A grand urban planning project of the late 19th century, created by engineer Adolphe Alphand. This is a 1.8-kilometre promenade-belvedere connecting the castle with Beaumont Park and offering views of the mountains.
• Villas and Mansions: In the prestigious Trespoey district, dozens of luxurious villas were erected. Victorian style, Neo-Gothic, and Eclecticism prevail here. The buildings are immersed in exotic gardens, which was a mandatory requirement for wealthy residents.
• Palace Hotels: Iconic buildings of the era include the Hôtel Gassion and the Palais Beaumont. They are designed in Neoclassical and Neo-Baroque styles, emphasising the city's status as an elite leisure destination.

20th Century and Modernity

The discovery of gas fields in the mid-20th century led to a demographic boom and the expansion of the city to the north (Saragosse district). The architecture of this period is dominated by functionalism and modernism: the construction of the university, administrative complexes, and multi-storey housing.

Modern urban planning in Pau focuses on the revitalisation of historical zones and the introduction of contemporary glass and concrete architecture. A vivid example is the André Labarrère Media Centre — a minimalist building harmoniously integrated into the urban environment, symbolising openness and innovation.

Kings and Rulers

• Gaston III de Foix, known as Gaston Fébus (1331–1391) — Viscount of Béarn, military commander, and poet.
  A key figure in the city's medieval history. It was he who turned the old fortress of Pau into a powerful fortified castle by building the famous brick keep. Gaston Fébus proclaimed the sovereignty of Béarn and made the court in Pau a centre of troubadour culture and the art of hunting.
• Jeanne d'Albret (1528–1572) — Queen of Navarre.
  Mother of Henry IV and a spiritual leader. She governed her lands from Pau, turning the city into an intellectual and political centre. Under her rule, a university was founded in the city, and printing flourished.
• Henry IV (1553–1610) — King of France and Navarre.
  The most renowned native of Pau, the first king of the Bourbon dynasty. Born in the Château de Pau; legend has it that at birth, his lips were rubbed with garlic and moistened with Jurançon wine so that he would grow up strong and healthy. He went down in history as "Good King Henry", who signed the Edict of Nantes on religious tolerance.
• Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte (1763–1844) — Marshal of France, later King of Sweden and Norway (Charles XIV John).
  The son of a local prosecutor who had a dazzling military career under Napoleon. He was elected heir to the Swedish throne and founded the Bernadotte dynasty, which rules Sweden to this day. A museum is now open in his birth house in Pau.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Paul-Jean Toulet (1867–1920) — Poet and writer.
  A famous French man of letters and a native of Pau. He became famous for his "Contrerimes" and subtle lyrics. A monument stands in the city's Beaumont Park, emphasising his connection to the region.
• Saint-John Perse (Alexis Leger) (1887–1975) — Poet and diplomat, Nobel Prize laureate in Literature.
  Although born in Guadeloupe, his youth and formative years were spent in Pau. The city and the view of the Pyrenees significantly influenced his creative perception of the world.
• André Courrèges (1923–2016) — Fashion designer.
  A native of Pau who became a revolutionary in the fashion world of the 1960s. One of the creators of the futuristic style and a contender for the title of inventor of the mini-skirt. His style was distinguished by geometric shapes and the use of new synthetic materials.

Sports and Modernity

• Tony Estanguet (born 1978) — Athlete (Canoe Slalom), Olympic Champion.
  Born in Pau, a three-time Olympic champion in C1 canoe slalom. He is one of the most influential figures in modern French sport and headed the Organising Committee for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Thanks to him, a world-class whitewater stadium was built in Pau.