Tarbes

The second-largest town in the Midi-Pyrenees region, and the prefecture of the Hautes-Pyrenees département. The site is better known as a base for skiers than as a site of architectural interest. It’s very near to the Pyrenees, and is a main through-route between Toulouse and the pistes.

Although heavily damaged during the wars of religion, the town has forged a new identity. It was a garrison town, and its most famous military hero is Marechal Foch, one of the most important figures of World War One. Monuments to him are almost everywhere, among them a bronze statue in front of the Parachute Regiment barracks. His home is open to the public in the unsurprisingly named rue de la Victoire. Inside, each room retraces a step in his life.

The soldier’s faithful steed for many centuries has been the horse, and Napoleon was responsible for the creation of an equestrian centre in Tarbes.

Right in the centre of town, the Massey Garden looks like an English Park with giant Himalayan Cedars and Giant Sequoias. Massey was a naturalist who also helped with the design of the Versailles park near Paris. His garden in Tarbes also contains a museum, featuring European painting from the Renaissance to today.

Tourist office: +33 (0) 5 62 51 30 31

CARTES