Where should I look at living when I move to Pau?

[Margaret Parker]

My Husband and I will be moving to Pau in August (probably) and would appreciate any input/opinion that you may have regarding good / bad areas to live.
We have no children at home now so do not need to be close to a school. It should be an easy commute (possibly a bike ride) to the Total complex. We enjoy quiet countryside but don't want to be too isolated.
Can anyone pass on information about where the rush hour traffic is worst, if there are any definate places to avoid, what the public transport system is like etc?
Thank you all in advance. look forward to meeting everyone in the autumn.

[Sharon Jones]

Hi Margaret. You know my views about your move but hopefully you'll get feedback from other members who will help you make your decision where to concentrate your search in the Pau area.

[Sharon Jones]

Hi folks, please let Margaret know your views about where best to live in the Pau area.

[Tony Burt]

Margaret,

Like any city, there are pockets of good and better throughout. We live in the Vallée d'Ossau which is spectacular, but maybe a bit far for you.

There are areas just to the south and east of Total that might suit (e.g. Trespoey and Bizanos and Idron). They are within a few kilometers and would be an easy bicycle commute.

Further afield, there are plenty of options both north and south of the autoroute.

Public transport revolves mainly around the bus network (www.bus-stap.com) and it seems not bad at all. Obviously, this is more problematic if you are further from the city.

The traffic volumes here will be either an issue or not depending on your past experiences. For us, having lived with the extremes of both Paris and the Charente prior to moving here, it is not an issue.

Hope this helps a little. Please let me know if you have further questions on anything.
Best regards,
Tony

[Margaret Parker]

Thanks Tony. We will be visiting Pau on a recce in early June so I will check out your suggestions.