Tour
2,1 km
1h
20 audios
Text version
You’re in a warm, welcoming little city full of charm, where nature, art and a gentle way of life all come together. Mont-de-Marsan, the capital of the Landes, sits along two rivers, the Midou and the Douze, which flow quietly through the centre. It’s a bright, green place that you discover as you wander through its parks, cross its bridges and pass through its lively squares. It’s also a city of art, with sculptures dotted everywhere, a constant reminder of the Despiau-Wlérick Museum at the cultural heart of the town. Here, stone meets bronze, and history blends naturally with contemporary creation. Mont-de-Marsan also lives by its traditions, from the Madeleine festivities to colourful markets, its Gascon accent and its famously warm welcome. As you explore the streets, let the sounds, shapes and stories guide you through this city that is both proud and wonderfully peaceful.
Let’s take this moment as you stroll along Rue Cazaillas to step back in time and revisit the history of Mont-de-Marsan, the capital of the Landes and a recognised City of Art and History. Founded in the twelfth century by Pierre de Marsan, the town developed at the meeting point of two rivers, the Midou and the Douze, which come together here to form the Midouze. Read more
At the end of Général Lasserre Street, just a short distance ahead, you'll find one of Mont-de-Marsan's most important landmarks: the Plumaçon Arena. As you probably know by now, bullfighting is a deeply rooted tradition in the Southwest of France and a source of great pride for Mont-de-Marsan. Read more
The Madeleine Festival is a must-see event in Mont-de-Marsan. Year after year, this celebration transforms the city's streets, like Rue Léon Gambetta, into a lively spectacle. Every July, hundreds of thousands of people flock to the city center to attend one of the biggest summer events in the Landes region. Read more
Introducing the Saint-Roch Covered Market. This spacious wooden structure is truly a feast for the senses. Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion! Just remember that the traditional market is held here every Tuesday and Saturday. Come mingle with friendly locals and discover the culinary heritage of the Southwest. Read more
Squares are like the beating heart of cities and villages. You can instantly feel the pulse and energy of the entire community. So, whether you're just passing through Saint-Roch Square or taking a moment to soak it all in, you can just sense its warm and inviting atmosphere. Read more
On your left, you’ll see The Defeated Athlete, a bronze sculpture by Jean Carton set on the Midou roundabout. Carton shows an athlete bent forward, worn down by effort and marked by defeat. He’s not celebrating victory, but the moment just after, when fatigue takes over and human vulnerability becomes visible. Read more
Hovering above the water, “La Plongeuse” is probably Mont-de-Marsan's most famous statue. And trust me when I say that this city knows a thing or two about this artistic discipline! In 2016, the city held its tenth annual “Mont-de-Marsan Sculptures” festival, Read more
“Le Molière” Municipal Theatre is the beating heart of Mont-de-Marsan's cultural scene. From classical concerts to dramatic plays, it's the go-to place for entertainment. The first cultural and musical performances were staged in a room in the Barnabites convent, Read more
From here, you have a picture-postcard view of the confluence of the three rivers of Mont-de-Marsan, the capital of the Landes region. Your eye is immediately drawn to the majestic, period villa, which adds a touch of elegance and historic charm to the beautiful, natural landscape. Its name is carved into the stone façade. Read more
They say that one must go off the beaten path to discover hidden treasures, and there's some truth to that. Tucked away among city houses and barely noticeable on the map, Rue des Arceaux, on the right, is a real gem. It truly takes us back to the medieval days of Mont-de-Marsan. Read more
Among the many historical sites in Mont-de-Marsan, each with its own history and raison d'être, one stands out for being shrouded in mystery. It's the building right in front of you. Back in the 18th century, the land it stands on was a small vineyard. Napoleon I himself gave this plot to the Society of Agriculture in 1808, during his visit in the city. Read more
Built along the banks of three rivers, Mont-de-Marsan still boasts seven public washhouses today, six of which are in the city center. The most famous one is right here beside you. Introducing the Cale de l'Abreuvoir Washhouse. It was built on the left bank of the Midouze back in 1870, to replace a similar structure that was much older. Read more
From here, you have a wonderful view of the confluence of the Midou and Douze Rivers, which come together to form the Midouze, Mont-de-Marsan’s third iconic river. But did you know that there’s more to see from these banks? Opposite to you, you'll spot a series of old buildings that have played an important role in the city's history. Read more
Mont-de-Marsan is a city blessed with water. As its nickname, “City of Three Rivers,” suggests, it's a place where three rivers meet. And there's no better spot to see it for yourself. As you stand on the Human Rights Bridge, you can see two different waterways. The Midou River opposite you and the Douze River, to the left, meet here and become one. Read more
The Madeleine Church before you is the largest religious building in the city. When Mont-de-Marsan was founded around the 12th century, it chose Saint Mary Magdalene, an important figure in the history of Christianity, as its patron saint. Read more
As we've seen, the past is ever-present along the riverbanks. Yet if we venture a little further, we'll find that Mont-de-Marsan has a more modern side. Take Victor Hugo Street, for example – you've been on it for a few seconds now. Read more
The Romanesque houses of Mont-de-Marsan are true medieval gems, built alongside the city walls and the Lacataye Keep. Take a look at the one in front of you, and you'll quickly see why. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, Read more
Located in a stunning architectural setting, the Despiau-Wlérick museum to your left is truly exceptional, as it is the only cultural venue in France dedicated to figurative art. It's an artistic style that captures objects and human forms in all their intricate detail. Read more
Mont-de-Marsan may have its share of historical treasures, but none quite as captivating as the Lacataye Keep. Believe it or not, the city's most famous landmark was once two Romanesque houses joined together to form a fortified manor. Read more
With the ancient ramparts on your left, it's easy to imagine Mont-de-Marsan's medieval past. Founded in 1133 by Viscount Pierre de Marsan, the city was the seat of his lordship. As such, it had a major defensive role to play. Read more
Discover Mont-de-Marsan with app
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
20 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
About an hour from Mont-de-Marsan, the Marquèze Ecomuseum immerses visitors in daily life in the Landes in the 19th century. You reach it aboard an authentic period train before discovering a vast reconstructed district: half-timbered houses, mills, sheepfolds and cultivated fields. The site illustrates rural life, ingenuity and the way inhabitants adapted to the sandy moorland before the large-scale planting of pine trees.
A jewel of Romanesque art and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Sever overlooks the Adour valley. Founded in the 11th century, it reflects the spiritual and cultural influence of the medieval Southwest. Inside, you’ll find beautiful sculpted capitals, a mysterious crypt and a serene atmosphere. The surrounding village, both picturesque and lively, is also worth a stop.
This open-air museum, set in a former manor house, retraces rural life in Chalosse in the 19th century. The farm, wine storehouse, bread oven and vegetable gardens reveal the daily life of a self-sufficient society deeply connected to the land. Workshops and demonstrations revive ancestral techniques.
In the charming Gascon village of Lupiac, birthplace of the famous musketeer, you’ll find a museum entirely dedicated to d’Artagnan. The lively, interactive exhibition recounts the life of the real Charles de Batz de Castelmore and the legend created by Alexandre Dumas. The outdoor trail lets you explore the Gascon countryside that shaped this hero of history and literature.
Nestled in a pine grove, the Roquefort arenas, built in 1910, symbolize the Landes’ passion for bullfighting traditions. Every summer, they host shows and competitions of traditional Landes bull-running in a convivial and typically Gascon vibe. The setting is also a fine example of early 20th-century rural architecture.
In a lush, green setting, this renowned thermal resort has welcomed visitors for over a century, drawn by the benefits of its waters. Barbotan offers relaxation with its park, Lake Uby and peaceful walking paths. You can combine treatments, nature strolls and gastronomic discoveries in a soothing atmosphere.
Just a few kilometres from Mont-de-Marsan, the Douze gorges present an unexpected, wild landscape. This small canyon carved by the river winds through dense vegetation, ideal for hiking and contemplative walks. A perfect place to observe local wildlife and enjoy a preserved natural environment.
This splendid 17th-century château, still inhabited by the same family, blends classical elegance with Gascon charm. You’ll discover period furniture, a collection of historic costumes and family portraits. The estate also produces a renowned Armagnac, available for tasting in the vaulted cellars.
A former lignite mine transformed into a natural space, Arjuzanx is now a major ecological and recreational site in the Landes. Its turquoise lake invites you to swim, paddle or canoe, while the surrounding paths welcome hikers and cyclists. In winter, the site becomes a prime observation spot for common cranes.
Founded in the 13th century, this bastide is one of the most beautiful in the Southwest. Its royal square, lined with arcades and half-timbered houses, looks like a postcard. There are cafés, craft workshops and a peaceful atmosphere far from modern bustle. Its charming lanes and authenticity make it an essential stop.
This small, charming chapel is the only one in France dedicated to the world of cycling. Its walls are covered with jerseys and memorabilia donated by great Tour de France champions. A unique and touching place where sport and spirituality meet.
Brocas offers a bucolic setting with its pond bordered by pine trees, ideal for fishing or strolling. Nearby, the Forges Museum recounts the industrial history of the village, once a centre of metallurgy and iron production. The site blends nature, heritage and working-class memory.
Around the main lake stretches a vast protected reserve with exceptional biodiversity. Marked trails allow you to observe migratory birds, deer and the typical flora of Landes wetlands. Sunset over the lake offers landscapes of rare beauty.
Housed in an old residence, this museum tells the story of the oldest eau-de-vie in France. You’ll discover stills, tools of the traditional distillers and the evolution of Gascon expertise. Visits often end with a convivial tasting that celebrates the region’s art of living.
Built in 1686 by a royal officer, Gaujacq Castle surprises with its square layout and arcaded gallery surrounding a central courtyard. Inside, visitors find period furniture, artworks and a splendid botanical garden. The whole estate exudes harmony, combining elegance with deep Gascon roots.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
DownloadIf you’re in Mont-de-Marsan and want to enjoy the ocean, let’s hope you’re okay with driving, because the nearest beach is about an hour and a half away. Contis Beach is located 90 km from Mont-de-Marsan.
A human-sized city, Mont-de-Marsan offers a reasonable cost of living, plenty of green spaces, and the mild climate typical of the Landes region. The city is fairly quiet except in summer, when the traditional ferias of the Madeleine Festival bring Mont-de-Marsan to life for three days. In terms of nature, the banks of the Midouze and the surrounding forests offer beautiful walks. Well connected by road and train, the city is also close to the ocean and the Pyrenees.
There are several lovely spots for a stroll in Mont-de-Marsan. Jean Rameau Park, right in the city center, is a peaceful place with shaded paths and an exotic garden. The banks of the Midouze River, equipped for walking and cycling, let you follow the river in a green setting. For a deeper nature experience, the Mont-de-Marsan Forest offers perfect trails for hiking. Lastly, the Domaine de Nahuques, a free animal park, is ideal for a family outing surrounded by animals and open spaces.
If there’s one reason why you might have heard of Mont-de-Marsan, it’s probably because of the ferias. During the Madeleine Festival (the local name for it), thousands of festival-goers gather in the streets of Mont-de-Marsan dressed in white with a blue scarf.
Mont-de-Marsan is located in the southwest of France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, specifically in the Landes department.
If you’re planning to move and explore the surroundings of Mont-de-Marsan, one city stands out for its fresh air! Just over an hour’s drive from Mont-de-Marsan lies the beautiful city of Pau. It’s known for its excellent quality of life, its proximity to Spain, the Pyrenees, and the Basque coast. It’s a lively city with strong sports culture, a student population, and exceptional historical heritage.
Hossegor is famous for its wide beaches and impressive waves that are a dream for surfers. Hossegor’s beaches are about an hour and fifteen minutes by car from Mont-de-Marsan.
Comments