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Pau
Situated high above the River Gave de Pau, the resort of Pau is the capital of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department and is the most cosmopolitan city in the western Pyrenees. The Chateau de Pau dates from the 12th century and houses many items, including a crib made from a single tortoise shell for Henri de Navarre, one of the old kings of France. There are also Flemish and Gobelin tapestries. Within the chateau is La Salle aux 100 Couverts, site of some of the enormous receptions that were held in the building's heyday. In the shadow of the chateau, on the medieval-looking Place du Forail, there is a massive antiques fair every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. This particular area is well-known as the antiques centre of the city. Regional specialities such as chocolates, sweet jams and Basque antiques can be found on the pedestrianised Rue Serviez and Rue des Cordelieres. The owner of one shop on Rue du Marechal Joffre has been voted "Best Jam-maker in France" for several years, and he invented and sells the "coucougnette", a jam-filled chocolate! For a time during June and July, the Festival de Pau includes theatrical, musical and dance performances in the squares, streets and on the courtyard of the chateau. The nightlife of Pau is centred around Le Triangle, where you will find bars actering for a wide range of clientele.