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Tarbes
Tarbes is in the Midi-Pyrenees region, to the north of Lourdes. It is the capital of the Hautes-Pyrenees department.
The town markets itself as being the gateway to the Pyrenees which lie to the south. There are attractive views of the snow-capped mountains from the town and the first Pyreneean ski resorts are about half an hour drive from Tarbes.
Not a town that features high on the tourist trail, the highlight of a visit to Tarbes is perhaps the Jardin Massey - a substantial (25 acres) park dating from the 19th century - and much as you might expect to find in 19th century England. The sprinkling of statues and monuments in the park, which also features many interesting species of trees, make for a pleasant exploration. There are also 14th century cloisters in the park, remains of an abbey that once stood here.
Another park in the town of note is the Parc bel Air, above all for its view of the mountains. The tourist office will give you a map showing the best route to explore the green spaces of Tarbes.
Other sites of interest within Tarbes include the Cathedral Notre Dame de la Sede and the small museum dedicated to wartime deportation and resistance in the region.
Steeping back to the First World War, the birthplace of Marshall Foch, one of the French heroes of that war, is now a museum dedicated to the Marshall.
You will also notice a surprising number of fountains as you explore Tarbes. Most of these are from the 19th century heyday of the town.
The Napoleonic Haras (horse breeding and training) centre also plays an important role in Tarbes, as it has for the last 200 years.
Tarbes: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Map of Tarbes, France |
Places to visit - Tarbes
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Tarbes.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Tarbes are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Lourdes Miracle site at 18 km
- Maubourguet market town at 27 km
- See also Tarbes (version Francais)
Tourist Classifications for Tarbes
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Information and photos
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