Villa Navarre
A 19th-century manor in Pau offering luxury hotel stays, fine dining, and a serene spa with beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil spa & dining
Villa Navarre
Best Time
Tranquil spa & dining
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century manor in Pau offering luxury hotel stays, fine dining, and a serene spa with beautiful gardens.
"Spectacular place with elegant charm, though dining service can be inconsistent."
🎯 Book Spa in Advance
Popular spa treatments, especially with balneotherapy access, fill up fast. Book via Planity app!
🥂 Check Guinguette Schedule
The 'Afterwork Guinguette' is seasonal. Confirm dates and times on their social media.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Elegant Villa Navarre
The historic building
Step back in time in this stunning 19th-century manor, offering a glimpse into opulent history.
Maison Ruffet Restaurant
The hotel's restaurant
Indulge in exquisite gastronomy from talented chefs, aiming for Michelin-star quality.
Spa Olympe & Balneotherapy
The spa area
Unwind with massages, saunas, jacuzzis, and pools for ultimate relaxation.
Summer Guinguette Evenings
The gardens
Enjoy chic after-work cocktails, music, and a vibrant atmosphere under the stars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for a Smooth Visit
Embrace the 'Guinguette' Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Spa in Advance
Popular spa treatments, especially with balneotherapy access, fill up fast. Book via Planity app! 
🥂 Check Guinguette Schedule
The 'Afterwork Guinguette' is seasonal. Confirm dates and times on their social media.
🍽️ Dining Inconsistencies Noted
Some reviews mention service issues at the restaurant. Manage expectations. +1
✨ Garden Views are a Must
The expansive gardens and distant Pyrenees views are a highlight.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Spa in Advance
Popular spa treatments, especially with balneotherapy access, fill up fast. Book via Planity app!
🥂 Check Guinguette Schedule
The 'Afterwork Guinguette' is seasonal. Confirm dates and times on their social media.
🍽️ Dining Inconsistencies Noted
Some reviews mention service issues at the restaurant. Manage expectations. +1
✨ Garden Views are a Must
The expansive gardens and distant Pyrenees views are a highlight.
🚗 Accessing the Guinguette
Follow the discreet path through the park to reach the summer guinguette.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Villa Navarre offers a beautiful historic setting with stunning gardens and a promising gastronomic restaurant. While many praise the elegant ambiance and spa facilities, some guests have experienced significant inconsistencies in service and maintenance, leading to disappointment, particularly for a 5-star establishment.
"What a shame. A beautiful location in its own grounds with views of the Pyrenees in the distance. Can imagine how special this place was in its prime. Unfortunately not a five star experience now! The reception staff were lovely and very helpful. Unfortunately air conditioning and safe disabled/not working as though the place is closing down. Bar and other shared areas in need of repair. Very comfortable bed. The place needs some serious investment and some love to bring it up to what it should be. Not sure how often hotel ratings are reviewed but think that in current state, they would struggle to achieve more than 3 stars! Very sad as building and grounds could be stunning."
Sarah M
"This place is not a 5 star hotel, it is a nice manor pretending to be a hotel, no staff in reception the bar is mostly unattended and when there is someone the service is not great. No restaurant service for lunch nor in the evenings.
The rooms are old age and plain, the safe does not work, the hooks were falling off the door. There are scrtaches and usage marks everywhere the toilets are similar to a gas station.
There is no cable and internet was down for a whole day, called reception and she said to use my 4G !
It is not good for work it is not good for a special occasion it is not good for dinner or the bar … just avoid it !"
Javier Leal Sarcos
"We booked this for our marriage anniversary and we were extremely disappointed with the staff and service. When we arrived the room was too hot, we asked the receptionist about the AC and she was so rude and told us to just open a window. For breakfast, a waitress asked us what kind of eggs we wanted, we replied, and she disappeared and never brought us any eggs. Our dinner was booked at 8pm, we got there in time, but we weren't offered any drinks and the waitress took our order past 9pm!!! So we were just sitting there without even a bottle of water, despite asking many times. Each of our plates arrived separately, so we had to watch the other person eat or have our food get cold waiting for the other plate to arrive. When we were done with the entrees, our table wasn't cleared for 40 minutes while we waited for the main courses. When we complained about this at the reception, she didn't even apologize like it was completely normal for a 5-star hotel. If you want a luxurious and relaxing experience, I do not recommend this place at all. No amenities can make up for rude, incompetent staff that just doesn't care about the guests."
Sam Trucco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Villa Navarre is located in Pau, France. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's situated within its own grounds, suggesting a need for a taxi or personal vehicle for direct access. The 'guinguette' has a discreet path through the park.
Information on dedicated parking is scarce, but as a hotel and restaurant, it's likely to have guest parking. It's advisable to confirm with the hotel directly when booking.
The guinguette is accessed via a discreet path through the park, as guided by the hotel's staff in their social media.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Villa Navarre is primarily a hotel and restaurant. Entry to the grounds or for dining typically requires a reservation or patronage. The 'guinguette' events may have specific entry requirements or cover charges.
As a hotel, it's accessible 24/7 for guests. The restaurant and spa have specific operating hours, and the 'guinguette' is a seasonal evening event. It's best to check their official website or social media for current hours.
Yes, you can book spa treatments and access the balneotherapy facilities (jacuzzi, sauna, pool) without being a hotel guest, often through booking apps like Planity.
Yes, Villa Navarre hosts popular 'Afterwork Guinguette' events during the summer, featuring cocktails and music in the gardens.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include dining at the upscale Maison Ruffet restaurant, enjoying the Spa Olympe with its various treatments and balneotherapy, and relaxing in the beautiful gardens. During summer, they host 'guinguette' events.
It's described as elegant and luxurious, with a historic charm. The summer guinguette offers a more relaxed and chic vibe.
The gardens are a significant feature and are generally accessible for guests and visitors, offering beautiful views of the Pyrenees.
Rooms can include amenities like dressing gowns, fridges, and coffee machines, though some reviews mention issues with air conditioning and safes. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant, Maison Ruffet, offers upscale and gastronomic cuisine, with chefs aiming for high culinary standards. Lunch and dinner services are available.
While the food can be excellent, some reviews highlight inconsistent service, which might impact a special occasion. It's advisable to confirm service expectations. +1
Yes, lunch service is available, and it's been highlighted as a great way to experience the restaurant's cuisine.
The guinguette typically offers cocktails and a more casual, festive food experience alongside music.
📸 📸 Photography
The elegant historic building, the lush gardens with Pyrenees views, and the chic guinguette setup are all prime photo opportunities.
Absolutely. Its 19th-century architecture, expansive grounds, and refined interiors make it highly photogenic.
While specific rules aren't stated, it's generally best to be discreet and respectful of other guests' privacy in spa areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the summer 'guinguette' for a more lively, yet still chic, family-friendly atmosphere. Ensure to check the specific offerings and suitability for your children's ages before booking extensive spa treatments or fine dining experiences.
💖 Couples Seeking Romance
+1Indulge in a couples' massage at Spa Olympe, followed by a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi or pool. Enjoy a leisurely dinner with Pyrenees views, or opt for the chic summer 'guinguette' for a more vibrant evening. The luxurious rooms and serene environment contribute to a memorable romantic escape.
+1💼 Business Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Charm of Villa Navarre
+1Its location in Pau, with views of the Pyrenees, adds to its appeal. The hotel is set within extensive grounds, providing a serene and picturesque environment. This combination of historical architecture and natural beauty makes it a unique destination for those seeking a refined experience.
Gastronomy at Maison Ruffet
+1While the food is often praised for its quality and creativity, some guests have reported inconsistencies in service. These reviews suggest that while the culinary aspect can be outstanding, the overall dining experience might vary. It's recommended to confirm service expectations when booking, especially for special occasions.
During the summer, the restaurant also contributes to the 'guinguette' atmosphere with its culinary offerings, providing a more relaxed yet still refined option for guests.
Spa Olympe: Relaxation and Wellness
+2Access to the spa and its amenities can be booked independently of a hotel stay, often through platforms like Planity. Many visitors highlight the spa as a significant draw, appreciating the opportunity to unwind in a luxurious setting. The combination of treatments and the use of the thermal facilities provides a comprehensive wellness experience.
Some reviews mention the spa being small but nice, and treatments are often described as wonderful. It's a key feature for those looking to indulge and rejuvenate during their visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit