Tour Highlights 

• Explore Pau, a delightful town in the Southwest of France
• An afternoon's racing at Pau featuring the "Grand Steeplechase de Pau"
• A visit to the Training Centre and National Stud

Pau, situated in Southwest France near the Pyrénées, is rich in history, culture and sport. The views of the Pyrénées form an idyllic backdrop to this beautiful French town.

In the 19th century Pau became popular with the British when a Scottish doctor proclaimed the curative powers of its mild climate, which led to the city's soubriquet - "La Ville Anglaise". An 18-hole golf course, the introduction of steeplechasing and fox-hunting, together with the spectacular Boulevard des Pyrénées and many fine English-style villas, bear testament to the influence of the British. Indeed, there is still an Anglican Church in Pau; St. Andrew's.

Pau has the second largest training centre in France and is recognised as the home of French Steeplechasing. Jean-Claude Rouget, one of the top trainers in France, is based here and takes advantage of the varied training facilities available at Pau. The winter National Hunt season culminates in the Grand Steeplechase de Pau and 2010 sees the 123rd running of this race over 5,300m. In 2009 Berryville, trained by Jacques Ortet and ridden by David Cottin, won ahead of the favourite, Ramses Bleu.