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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Santiago de Pau replaces a 17th century chapel built by the Cordeliers to welcome the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela. In the 19th century, in the face of the influx of faithful and tourists, the city launched in 1860 a subscription to build a new building. The works, led by architect Émile Loupot, began in 1861 and ended in 1868, offering a neo-Gothic church with three naves, symbol of local religious and tourist vitality.

The two brick arrows, damaged by the 1999 storm, were dismantled in 2001 for safety reasons. Their reconstruction, completed in 2012, brings their height to 22 metres (compared to 17 metres initially) and incorporates a comprehensive restoration of the roof and stained glass windows. This EUR 1.5 million project represents a commitment to preserve the architectural and artistic integrity of the building, while modernizing its structures.

The interior of the church is distinguished by its 54 stained glass windows, made by Émile Thibaud and the Mauméjean family, as well as its furniture designed by the cabinetist Mignu after the plans of Loupot. The murals, signed by Joseph Castaing and Henri Morisset, illustrate biblical scenes and the life of Saint James. Le bourdon Cécile, melted in 1880 by Léon Bollée, and the organs of Joseph Merklin (1870) complete this exceptional artistic heritage.

The podium organ, restored several times, has 37 games and dialogue with a choir organ installed in 1999. The impressive size of the building (61.5 m long, 40 m high) and its central location near the boulevard des Pyrénées make it a major urban landmark. Its history reflects both the demographic rise of Pau in the 19th century and its tourist attraction, linked to the palaces frequented by the European aristocracy.

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