There's Plenty Cooking in Pau
- michaelvenckus
- Jul 31
- 1 min read
July 29
A day off hiking in the Pyrenees yielded more than we bargained for when we set out for a one hour drive to Pau (pronounced Poe). The small city of eighty thousand yields a beautiful food gem, L' Esprit des Halles, a two story food market that features farmers, local artisans and many cooked to order food stalls.
We walked around in a delightful bliss trying to understand how such a small city in Southwestern France had a square block market. I was certainly used to seeing this in the big cities of Europe but this seemed like a first for a population center this size.
When we finally finished our two story stroll it was time to eat. With so many tempting options it was hard to choose but we finally settled in on some tapas and a Lebanese cuisine.
I wish we could have eaten more but we were stuffed (lightweights today...) A one hour walk around town and a stop at the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Pau was sorely needed to lighten up our stomachs. The food hall was incredible but if you ever visit keep in mind that it is all closed up for the day by about 3pm.
L'Esprit des Halles is located in old town Pau and is open every day but Monday. The hall features local artisans, wine caves, produce, seafood, delis, meats and plenty of culinarians that will cook up your whatever you choose to order.
