We're considering a home swap in Pau, France. Anyone know Pau? My question is:
what is the town like?
what's the weather like in July? are there interesting towns to visit that are nearby (one hour's drive in any direction)? We'll be traveling with our kids so looking for car trips under 90 minutes ...


Thanks.

Pau is a beautiful little city at the foot of the Pyrenees. The weather should be fabulous. Low 80´s high 70´s during the day and cooler at night. it is very green and verdant. There are lots of little villages all around and you may find festivals etc.

Hi,
This summer we spent a week in a little village in the Pyrenees, about 30 miles from Pau. We had a lovely time and certainly weren't lacking things to do.
I have been posting a trip report though I'm embarrassed to say I haven't managed to finish it yet. But it might give you some ideas of things to do, and an overview of the general region.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35070196

I spent two weeks at a house exchange about an hour away from Pau in August. This year, it was cold and rainy the first week in August, but I believe that is unusual. You can check the weather history at www.weatherunderground.com.

There are lots of interesting places to visit. Roman ruins, wine tasting at vineyards, caves with prehistoric art, excursions into the Pyrenees and over them into Spain, the Basque country, the ocean at Biarritz and St-Jean-de-Luz. Many small towns in the form of bastides, farms where foie gras is produced, fermes-auberges for dinner on the farm, markets selling local cheese and honey and produce.

My trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35065908

Photos:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-57syru

A Fodors regular has a house in that area... hopefully she'll spot this and give you her lowdown! I know she likes Pau (or she wouldn't have bought the house there).

Yup, that would be me. Our place is about 50 minutes east.

It's a lovely little town. Nice castle, nice walks, nice shops (bit high end, maybe) nice restaurants, easy access to the Mountains, easy access to the Jurancon and Madiran wine growing areas, about an hour from the sea at Biarritz and St Jean de Luz. Caves in the mountains, mountain railways, ski stations- OK, no snow, but, quand meme....

Weather information previously provided entirely accurate