Pau is a simple town with a simple name. Pronounced "po" this Pyrenean mountain-fringed town was the birthplace of France's king Henry the 4th which, along with being a stop on the Tour de France, is its claim to fame. A quick glance at Pau reveals nothing to tantalize the senses or send anyone home shrieking praise or pooh-pooing. It is not full of high class bars or cultural centers, the museums are lackluster, the old town is too small to be awe-inspiring, and much of the architecture recalls the 1960's and 70's - some of which is in disrepair. But there's something about this place - a certain comfort found in its young population - a small friendly city with surprises up its sleeve...
Read more about Pau, France, here
A Clean Little Beach-side Room (of Horror!)
It was by far the prettiest of beach trips that year. The bay of
Saint Jean de Luz was smooth and wave less, only gently shushing across the shore, the
Atlantic wide and turquoise expanding out to an open, cloudless
springtime sky. Basque houses climbed up lush hillsides in their
typical white with red or green trim, while stylish European tourists
sauntered by below in sandals and big sunglasses...
Find out how I got trapped in a toilet here