Located in the Aquitaine region of France at the northern boundary of the Pyrenees mountain range, the city of Pau is also the capital of the Pyrennes-Atlantiques departement and the Bearn region. The stunning mountain views, charming provincial feel and magnificent chateau make this a wonderful stop on a car trip through the region. In addition, Pau is situated only 100 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean and just 50 kilometers from the border of Spain.

First fortified during the 11th century, the centre of Pau today is home to a sprawling castle, Chateau de Pau, which takes up one fourth of the entire city! The chateau boasts a stunning collection of historical tapestries and a garden that once belonged to Marie Antoinette More recently, in 1901 the city was the first in the world to hold a “Grand Prix” car race, and it is still home to a popular racetrack for the World Touring Car Championship.