The guide-books of these parts cite the descriptions of early writers in order to compare its present with its former state; two are given, which are certainly as much at variance as those obtained by strangers at the present day.

In a work printed in 1776, the following passage occurs: "The town of Pau is of an ordinary size; the greatest part of its houses are well-built, and covered with slate.

It is the seat of a parliament, a university, an academy of _belles lettres_, and a mint.

The greatest part of the _noblesse_ of Bearn make it their usual abode; the Jesuits have a large college founded by Louis XIII.

There is a seminary under the direction of the brothers of St.Lazare, a convent of Cordeliers, another of Capuchins, and four nunneries.