|
Pau[pO] Pronunciation Key, city (1990 pop. 83,928), capital of PyrEnEes-Atlantiques dept., SW France, at the foot of the Pyrenees. It is a major year-round tourist center, renowned for its spa and winter sports, as well as its scenery. It has metallurgical and wool industries, and aeronautical equipment, shoes, and clothing are manufactured. Founded in the 11th cent., it became the capital of BEarn in the 15th cent. and the residence of the kings of Navarre in 1512. Henry IV was born in its chAteau. Its university was founded in 1724.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia Copyright © 2009, Columbia
University Press.
Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
|
