OUR DESTINATIONS
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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Europe
- France
- Basque Country
- Pau
Pau
The popular holiday destination of Pau is situated 50 miles
(80km) inland, high above the Gave de Pau River, and is a good base
from which to explore the Pyrénées and the picturesque little
villages of the Bearn region. This year-round holiday resort was
frequented by the English in the early 19th century (at one time 20
percent of the population was from England) and many customs were
imported from across the Channel to become entrenched, including
fox hunting and afternoon tea.
Pau is home to 85,000 people and is the most cosmopolitan city
in the western Pyrénées. While on holiday, panoramic views can best
be enjoyed when strolling along the Boulevard des Pyrénées. Worthy
Pau sightseeing excursions include the 12th century Chateau de Pau,
containing some interesting contemporary artefacts including a crib
fashioned from a single tortoise shell.
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is worth a peek with a collection of
European paintings by the likes of El Greco, Degas, Zurbaran and
Boudin. The people of the Pau and Bearn region are very proud of
their language (a variation of Occitan) and heritage and have
indulged in friendly rivalry with the Basques of Bayonne for
centuries.
Information & Facts
Language
French is the official language.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can
be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels,
though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques,
particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not
accepted.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).