The national museum of the Castle of Pau

This superb royal residence is above all the birthplace of Henry IV, King of France and Navarre.

The building perpetuates the homage and legend of the first king of the Bourbon dynasty.

The architectural set of buildings has undergone three major restorations:

The first took place in the Middle Ages, the second at the Renaissance and the third in the middle of the 19th century.

It has been classified as a National Museum and provides visitors with nearly 800 years of history allowing them to enjoy an elaborate set of decorations including one of the most beautiful collections of tapestries in Europe.

The recent restorations carried out both inside and outside have given the building an outstanding lustre.

The castle and its surrounding parks and gardens are situated on the outskirts of the old market town, near to the oldest golf course on the European mainland.

When to visit: Open every day, except on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December Only guided tours are available (last for approximately 75 minutes) One every 15 minutes - From 16 September to 14 June: from 9.30 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. - From 15 June to 15 September: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 1.30 p.m. to 5.45 p.m.
Entrance fees: Full price: 5€ Reduced price: 3.50 € (18/25 year olds) Free: - for children up to the age of 17            - unemployed            - History of Art students            - on the 1st Sunday of every month Groups: of 20 to 30 people = 77€                 (prior reservation is required)
Contact details: Musée National du Château de Pau 64000 Pau Tel. no.: 00 33 (0)5 59 82 38 02 Fax no.: 00 33 (0)5 59 82 38 18 E-mail: olivier.pouvreau@culture.gouv.fr Website: www.musee-chateau-pau.fr How to get there: In the town centre of Pau, at a stone's throw from the Tourist Information Office and the Conference Centre and the Town Hall. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MAP