a town of France, capital of the department of Lower Pyrenees, stands on a ridge of hills on the right bank of the Gave de Pau, 58 miles E.S.E. of Bayonne, and 468 S.W. of Paris. Its situation is very beautiful, as the river has its banks lined with trees, and is crossed by a picturesque bridge; while the view to the south is extremely fine, commanding the bold and serrated range of the Pyrenees, appearing in the distance between the gaps-in the rounded and wooded hills that rise in front. The town is well and regularly built, having one principal street, several squares, and public walks. The Place Royale, near the centre, is planted with trees, and contains a statue of Henri IV.; the Place de la Comedie is also a fine square; but the most beautiful public place is the Parc, a natural terrace shaded with fine trees, which extends along the bank of the Gave de Pau. The most remarkable building in the town is the castle, a large irregular structure with five towers, standing at the west end, overlooking the river. This castle is interesting on account of its historical associations; for Henri IV. was born here, and his cradle, consisting of a large tortoise-shell, is still preserved. The castle was much injured during the first revolution, when it was used for barracks; but it was handsomely restored by Louis Philippe, and was for some time the residence of Abd-el-Kader. There are in Pau, Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, courts of law, a college, museum, public library, literary society, and market-house. The manufactures consist of handkerchiefs, table linen, carpets, rags, leather, and paper. A considerable trade is carried on in wine, chestnuts, hams, salt meat, cotton and woollen goods, &c. Pau is a favourite residence of the English, especially in winter, on account of the mildness and dryness of the climate. It is also much resorted to by the Parisians. Bernadotte, the King of Sweden, as well as Henri IV., was born here. Pop. (1856) 17,238.