Name: Named after the Pyrenees (mountains in the south) and the Atlantic Ocean (coast in the west).
Capital/prefecture: Pau (known for its view of the Pyrenees and its historical connection to King Henry IV).
Two main cultures:
Northern part: Béarn (Occitan/Gascogian-speaking region, hilly countryside, Pau as its center).
Southern part: French Basque Country (with the Basque language and a strong identity).
Main coastal cities: Bayonne (chocolate, ham, fortified town), Biarritz (luxury seaside resort, surfing), Anglet, Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Landscape: From beautiful Atlantic beaches and surf spots to soaring Pyrenean peaks (skiing, hiking, the Santiago de Compostela route via Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port).
Tourism: Strongly focused on beaches, surfing, mountain sports, gastronomy (Espelette pimento, Bayonne ham, beef sausage, Jurançon wine), and Basque culture (pelota, festivals).
In short: a department with both sea and mountains, a Basque and Béarnese identity, the surfing capital of Biarritz, and a beautiful blend of nature and culture.
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