Grand prix de Pau Historique: gentlemen drivers
by kokoryko
There is also a race for the “gentlemen drivers”. This is a race with cars powered with monocylinder engines, and the cars look generally like wheeled torpedoes; they do not go very fast and they look more like soap case rather than racing cars.The engines, making prrrrt, prrrt, transmit movement to the wheels via chains and at the end I think these things are closer to four wheeled motorbikes rather than to car. . . if this could be. . . On the main picture it looks really like a wheeled torpedo. Another torpedo on picture 2 , and a group of those taking the turn up the palm grove (picture 3). Having a close look to these vehicles show that the drivers comfort is really minimal (picture 4 and 5) as the mechanic seems to be very simple (I like mechanics without electronics!).
Free where access is allowed or 10-12 Euros for access to the paddocks or galleries; 17 Euros for the week end.
Visit the Lescar Cathedral at the Edge of Pau
by hquittner
The city of Lescar was thriving 1000 years before Pau was begun. This was the center of Bearn at that time. In the early 12C the cathedral of Lescar was built. Its most attractive elements are the Romanesque12C capitals lining the nave and the modillions on the outside of the chevet. We have more listed under Lescar itself.
Parc du Château
by mikey_e
The greenery of the Pyrenees and the warm, quite humid climate of the area are ideal for keeping impressive gardens and parks. Add to that the desire (I assume) for royalty and local nobility to enjoy long walks through beautifully manicured lawns and hedges, and you have the perfect recipe for a city dominated by lush green spaces. Pau’s Parc du Château is one specific example of this, although there is no shortage of other areas to enjoy. It makes its way up the steep slope that leads from the newer parts of the city to the area below the Château, and make their way around the buildings of the Départmental administration. There are hedges and flowers, but, in truth, if you come to this park after you visit the one below the Boulevard des Pyrénées, you won’t be much impressed.
A closer look at the medallions
by kokoryko
Before going inside we can have a look at the renaissance style decoration of the walls and windows, in the yard.
the medallions you see on the first picture are the initials of Henri (Henri d’Albret grandfather of Henri IV) and Marguerite (Marguerite d’Angoulême) who lived in the Chateau, and the legend says they were in love their whole life, and that is why the initials are as medallions or painted everywhere in the chateau.
Other medallions represent important persons in the Pau history, like Henri IV, of course, (picture 2), Gaston Phébus (picture 3), or unknown people (picture 4). Many medallions are displayed below the richly decorated renaissance windows. (picture 5)
The heart of Bearn
by kokoryko
The village of Monein, sys itself it is in the heart of Bearn! It is a nice village , located 30 km West of Pau, direction Mourenx, (or Bayonne, and turn left after 20 km), counting 4000 inhabitants. The village itself is picturesque but the most important features there are the gothic St Girons church and that it is located in the heart of the Jurançon wine production area, and probably the best one.
The main picture shows the village from the vineyards located on hills South of the village, and the impressive church is also seen here from the main street (picture 2). Picture 3 shows it is a rather quiet place and old constructions (picture 4) like here the city hall arcades, are spread over the village, and some houses are nicely decorated, even quite soberly (picture 5).
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Napoleon III
King Henri IV
The Casino
Boulevard des Pyrenees, Pau, France 2006
