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TARBES

Tarbes, geared to the mountains ... and to horses

Spread out at the foot of the Pyrenees, Tarbes is 154 Km southwest of Toulouse. Flirting with the mountains, the attractive chef-lieu of the Hautes-Pyrenees is famous for its brilliant horse breeding tradition.

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TARBES - Hautes-Pyrénées (65)

Just half an hour from the ski resorts and less than an hour from the famous Pyrenees sites (the Gavarnie circus, the Pic du Midi Observatory, the Pont d'Espagne waterfalls, among others), Tarbes enjoys a microclimate allowing palm trees to grow in the city centre.

Capital of the Bigorre region, Tarbes began in the 3rd century BC. The birthplace of Field Marshal Foch (see the house where he was born), it is today, with 100,000 inhabitants, the second largest agglomeration in the Midi-Pyrenees. Its shopping streets, its markets full of local produce (including the wonderful Tarbes beans) and its economic activity based on technology make it a lively city.

The history of Tarbes has always been linked to horses. The city, famous for its hussars, is the seat of a prestigious national stud farm. Created in 1806 by Napoleon I, it gave birth, from the Tarbes horse, to the Anglo-Arab breed. In a shady 22-acre park, the stud farm buildings form a refined ensemble. In addition to the Maison du Cheval, you can visit the old stables, the tack room, the smithy, the harnesses, etc.

Every year, Tarbes honours its most beautiful resident with the Equestria festival (July/August) and the Anglo-Arab festival (October). Decorated with many ancient fountains, Tarbes is also a town of gardens. In particular we could mention the Jardin Massey, an opulent 19th century English-style garden, in which there nestles a Moorish villa that has become a museum (archaeology and fine arts). And of course in summer you can visit the town ... in a horse-drawn carriage!

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