Maubourguet is a pretty market town situated south of the beautiful vineyards of Saint-Mont and Madiran, north of Tarbes and north-east of Pau.
Maubourguet was fortified by the English in the 14th century but then devastated by the Protestants during the revolution four centuries later. Despite the damage caused at this time it retains some quaint balconies and beautiful buildings.
Explore Maubourguet
The most important historic monument in Maubourguet is the Church of Saint-Martin built in the 11th century. It was originally part of a Benedictine monastery and is on the pilgrimage route of Saint Jacques de Compostelle, just off the main market square. Updated over the centuries and converted for modern day use, it’s well worth a visit.
The town hall is another noteworthy building, almost too big in fact, it’s hidden down an alleyway opposite a chambre d’hotes, and close to a pharmacist, tobacconist and computer shop
The town is above all a hive of activity during the weekly market every Tuesday morning. Being in Gascony where food is of utmost importance there are a number of amazing stalls, many of them offering you the opportunity to sample their produce before you buy. Cured saucisson, cheese and fois gras are sure to tempt you, as are the local wines.
Maubourguet has a typical choice of French shops, including Gamm Vert the agricultural merchants, and French crafts, a major supermarket, patisseries, and hairdressers. It’s well known for its bars and restaurants, and has a brilliant cave (off license), opposite the bike shop.
You will find several bars and restaurants down the main high street offering traditional French 'plat du jours'.
The town is also crossed by two rivers and a stroll along these, or a morning of fishing, offers a relaxing break from everyday life.
There’s a vast array of activities for all the family near the town. Maubourguet itself is on the flat, and offers the less experienced of us the opportunity to try our hand at cycling, however, for the more enthusiastic, just 5 minutes ride away you can explore the rolling forests of Sombrun and Saint Mont.
Attractions nearby
One of the popular activities is to visit the local vineyards, famous for the wines of Madiran and St Mont, and also explore the local villages of Madiran, Marciac, Castelnau and Viella.
Situated near the foothills of the Pyrenees, Maubourguet offers amazing views of the mountains (on a clear day). The mountains are easily accessible by car for skiing enthusiasts and with the Spanish border just an hour away it’s worth taking a trip down for lunch to explore the beautiful scenery of the Pyrenees and stock up on some shopping.
The region has a strong equestrian influence, and there are many places to go trekking, whether it is through the forests by horse back or something a little different in the form of a camel trek alongside the river Adour.
You can find more travel ideas in the Hautes-Pyrenees guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
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Map of Maubourguet and places nearby
Visit near Maubourguet with France This Way reviews
Tarbes
The substantial gardens of Jardin Massey are the main place of interest in the centre of Tarbes
Tarbes guide
Aire-sur-l'Adour
Aire-sur-l'Adour is a pleasant town with a cathedral in south-east Landes
Aire-sur-l'Adour guide
Pau
The large town of Pau is well known for the views from the belvedere that cover a large section of Pyrenees mountains
Pau guide
Chateau de Pau
The Chateau de Pau is an impressive combination of the renaissance and 19th century architectural styles
Chateau de Pau guide
Vic Fezensac
Vic Fezensac is enjoyable to explore at any time, but best known for the music festivals held here each summer
Vic Fezensac guide
Lourdes
Lourdes is of course very famous as a pilgrimage centre which attracts millions of pilgrims and visitors each year
Lourdes guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Hautes-Pyrenees
Address: Maubourguet, Tarbes, Midi-Pyrenees, 65700, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.4692, longitude 0.036389
Plan your visit to Maubourguet, Hautes-Pyrenees
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Tarbes: ville fleurie 4* (24 km)
- Jardin Massey: remarkable garden (26 km)
- Marshall Foch house: national monument (27 km)
- Palmeraie du Sarthou: remarkable garden (28 km)
- Jardins du château de Viven: remarkable garden (33 km)
- Aire sur l'Adour église St Quitterie (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (35 km)
- Pau: ville fleurie 4* (38 km)
- Jardin du château de Momas: remarkable garden (39 km)
- Ordan-Larroque: ville fleurie 4* (42 km)
- Grottes de Betharram: site of natural beauty (45 km)
- Zoo d'Asson: zoo or wildlife park (45 km)
- Ourdis-Cotdoussan église St Jacques (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (47 km)
The French version of this page is at Maubourguet (Francais)