Pau, France
Last updated at 16:52 05 February 2003
Where is it?
Overlooking the Pyrenees, in the south of France. The university city of Pau (pronounced Po) is one of the most elegant cities in the Béarn region.
Transfer time to city centre 15 mins by car.
Best known for Henri IV, France's first Protestant king was born here.
Pau used to be a hotspot for English vistors, so much so that it earned the sobriquet 'la ville Anglaise'. Much of this was down to a Scottish doctor who marvelled at the mild climate of Pau, declaring it 'curative' and Queen Victoria's love of the city (before her affections turned to Biarritz).
Main attractions A walk along the coastal clifftops and Boulevarde des Pyrénées affords excellent views of the mountains on the horizon.
Greenery. Pau has more more square metres per inhabitant than any other European town and is home to the first golf course in mainland Europe.
Avoid if you can Pau is a key player in the French oil industry: wander too far off-route and you'll edge into an industrial area concerned with a very different kind of refinery.
Where to stay The three-star Hotel Continental offer superior rooms for £55 per night, based on two sharing, including Bed and Breakfast. Call + 33 05 59 27 69 31 to book.
Useful websites www.tourisme.fr
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