The boulevard was created at the suggestion of Napoleon I, and overlooks terraced gardens cascading down the valley side. In clear weather, especially early morning or late evening and in winter, the view stretches from the Pic du Midi de Bigorre to the Pic d'Anie, with the Pic du Midi d'Ossau standing out in the background. Along the railings on the terrace side of the boulevard are plaques pointing out and describing each mountain.