The city in the 1930s

This stunning building, whose Art Deco façade looks out onto the Boulevard des Pyrénées, is a typical example of Pau’s development in the 1930s. The luxury destination became much less appealing to tourists due to the difficulties linked to World War I and the 1929 stock market crash. The popularity of sea swimming pushed the wealthiest tourists towards the coast. Nevertheless, Pau tried to maintain its image as a resort town.

Called the “column building”, or immeuble aux colonnes, by locals, this structure was designed by the architect Henry Challe and the sculptor Georges Vérez as dwellings for the bourgeoisie. Its intricate relief façade alternates between extensions of balconies, railings and loggias, in configurations that are different for each floor. Sculpted floral details can be found everywhere: on the plinths, sideboards, balconies and door frames. At the top, a young couple quenches their thirst in a fountain of youth.