Pau & Travel
Everything you need to know about the city, how to get here, and where to stay.
Welcome to Pau
Pau is a vibrant city of 80,000 inhabitants nestled at the foothills of the Pyrénées, in the heart of the Béarn region of southwestern France. Positioned between the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the mountains to the south, it enjoys a mild climate year-round and an exceptional quality of life.
Pau is the birthplace of King Henry IV of France, born at the Château de Pau in 1553. The city has a rich royal and aristocratic history — in the 19th century it became a fashionable winter retreat for British aristocrats, who introduced golf to continental Europe here in 1856. The famous Boulevard des Pyrénées, a 1.8 km promenade overlooking the entire mountain range, remains one of the most spectacular urban panoramas in France.
Today, Pau is known as one of France’s most dynamic mid-sized cities. It was named the most athletic city in France in 2024, reflecting its deep sporting culture: the city hosts the Tour de France, the legendary Pau Grand Prix motor race, and is home to the Section Paloise rugby club, one of the oldest and most respected clubs in French rugby.
Things to Do in Pau
The conference leaves room to explore one of France’s most beautiful cities.
Château de Pau
The Château de Pau is one of the most historically significant castles in France. Built in the 14th century and transformed into a Renaissance palace, it is the birthplace of King Henry IV and today houses a remarkable national museum of royal furniture, tapestries, and art. From the château terrace, the views of the Pyrenees are simply breathtaking.
Boulevard des Pyrénées
The Boulevard des Pyrénées is one of the great promenades of France — 1.8 km of gardens and viewpoints with an unbroken panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range. Pau is also one of the most iconic Tour de France stage cities; the legendary climbs of the Col du Tourmalet and the Col d’Aubisque begin just an hour’s drive from the city.
Section Paloise Rugby
Rugby is at the soul of Pau. The Section Paloise, founded in 1902, is one of the oldest rugby clubs in France, currently competing in the Top 14. If there is a match at the Stade du Hameau during the conference weekend, it is an experience not to be missed — the passion of the Palois supporters is legendary throughout French rugby.
Getting to Pau
Pau is well connected to the rest of France and Europe by air, rail, and road.
By Plane
Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF) is just 10 minutes from the city centre, with direct flights from Paris-Orly (Air France) and seasonal European routes. Alternatively, Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is 1 hour away with more international connections. Bordeaux (BOD) and Toulouse (TLS) airports are 1h45 away and offer extensive European and intercontinental routes.
By Train
Pau's main train station (Gare de Pau) has regular TGV and Intercités connections. Direct trains from Paris Montparnasse take approximately 4h30–5h. Connections via Bordeaux or Bayonne are also frequent. From the station, Pau's famous funiculaire (cable car) whisks you up to the upper city and the château area — a unique experience in itself.
By Car
Pau is easily accessible by motorway from all directions. The A64 (La Pyrénéenne) connects Pau to Bayonne (1h west) and Toulouse (2h east). From Paris the drive is approximately 7–8 hours via the A10 and A63. Parking is available near Institut Saint Dominique on Avenue Fouchet and in the surrounding residential streets.
Getting Around Pau
Pau has a safe, clean, and efficient public bus network operated by Idelis. A single journey costs €1.20 and a 10-journey card is available for €10. The city centre and château are also easily walkable from many accommodation options. Pau also has its unique funiculaire (cable car) linking the lower town (train station area) to the upper town — free to use and a memorable experience.
Official Travel Partner — Pro Sky
Pro Sky is the official travel partner for MUN Saint Dominique, offering competitive group rates for air and rail travel to Pau. Feel free to get in touch with them now!
Accommodation
The following partner hotels are offering preferential rates to MUN Saint Dominique participants. Rooms are held for the conference only for a limited time, so we recommend booking early.
Hôtel B&B Pau Zénith
3-starA comfortable hotel offering single and double rooms, just 3 bus stops from the school. To enjoy the preferential rates below, simply book by phone or by email using the booking code.
Kyriad Prestige Pau
4-starA 4-star hotel with the "La Boucherie" restaurant on the ground floor, offering high-quality comfort just 3 bus stops from the school. A number of single and double / twin rooms are reserved for conference participants at the preferential rates below.
Hôtel Pau-Université
3-starA comfortable and very well-located hotel near the university, with easy access to the school and the city centre. Use the discount code below to unlock our special conference rates.
Need Accommodation Advice?
For school group bookings or any questions about accommodation in Pau, please contact us directly and our team will be happy to help.
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