Pau, France

The city of Pau is located in southwestern France at the foot of the Pyrenees and 100 km from the Atlantic Ocean. The mild climate, beautiful nature and healthy air caused many English, Russians and Brazilians to settle here at the end of the 19th century. The houses and villas are beautiful and refined in one part of the town, and there is an old part with narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses that also have the charm of this lovely place.

The town of Pau was home to some of the first golf courses in mainland Europe. It was also the site of one of the first aviation schools in the world, where French pilots trained before the First World War. Poe now has a Museum of Aviation, which has interesting documents on the history of navigation and photographs of visits by notables such as the Wright brothers-the first American aircraft designers and pilots.

The very location of Pau, 45 minutes from the ski slopes of the Pyrenees and an hour's drive from the coast, suggests the development of various sports. There is an annual car rally and also the French Canoe Kayak Championship.

The biggest attraction of the town, is the castle of "Pau", located on the river Gave de Pau. It was founded by the Counts of Foix, who built a hunting lodge here. The huge central tower of red bricks was added by Gaston Febus in the 14th century. In the 16th century, this beautiful castle with a picturesque setting became a Renaissance palace with exquisitely carved doors, windows and arcades. All this was done thanks to Margaret of Angoulême, sister of François, who married King Henry of Navarre. Here was born their daughter Joan III of Navarre (1528-1572) and also their grandson Henri of Navarre (1553-1610), who became King of France as Henri IV in 1589. The castle preserves wonderful tapestries from the time of Joan III of Navarre, 16th century kitchens and a giant tortoise shell, which is thought to have been the cradle of Henri IV. The huge royal park is a favourite place for relaxation and strolling for the many tourists and locals. In the Museum of Fine Arts near the castle, works by El Greco, Rubens, Degas and others are on display.

The town of Pau also has a relatively new acquisition-a huge concert hall with impressive architecture.

To round off a visit to this beautiful part of France, the picturesque village of Jouranson, on the other side of the river, should also be visited, famous for its large vineyards and superb wine.