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Maubourguet

Visit Maubourguet, Midi-Pyrenees

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. The appeal of Maubourguet has recently been enhanced by the completion of a bypass that now carries passing traffic around the town instead of through the centre!

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 amazingly beautiful buildings.

Explore Maubourguet

It’s not until you stroll through the back streets of Maubourguet to explore its hidden gems and riversides that you truly appreciate its history. 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 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, Gamm Vert the agricultural merchants – which also sell clogs, and French crafts, a major supermarket, patisseries, and more hairdressers than people in the high street. It’s well known for its bars and restaurants, and has a brilliant cave (off license) opposite the bike shop (which sells every nut and bolt you could possibly need for a two wheeled vehicle, which are usually attached for you for a mere 2 Euros extra!

The town hall is s spectacular 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

For the best pain au chocolate in France visit one of the two competing patisseries on the high street, why not buy one from each and decide for yourself? There are several bars and restaurants down the main high street offering traditional French 'plat du jours, however, if you want traditional French cuisine go where the locals go – which is the Routiers just 10 miles north on the D935 where you’ll have “the steak of your life” in a 3 course lunch for 11 Euros including wine.

There’s a vast array of activities for all the family, 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.

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.

Maubourguet is well served by camp sites, gites and Bed and Breakfast accommodation, and also has Montfort factory shop where you can buy reasonably priced pates and Duck related produce.

Attractions nearby

With so many activities ensure you’re not too exhausted to visit the local vineyards, famous for the wines of Madiran and St Mont, and also the famous local villages of Madiran, Marciac, Castelnau and Viella who are guaranteed to offer you a true French welcome.

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.

Suggested places to visit near Maubourguet, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Mont d'Astarac 46km; Auch 48km; Montreal-du-Gers 55km; Montmaurin Gallo-Roman Villa 56km; Larressingle 57km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Maubourguet

Maubourguet tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin Massey - remarkable garden (26km) : Palmeraie du Sarthou - remarkable garden (28km) : Jardins du château de Viven - remarkable garden (33km) : Jardin du château de Momas - remarkable garden (39km) : Ordan-Larroque - ville fleurie 4* (42km) : Grottes de Betharram - site of natural beauty (45km) : Grottes de Médous - site of natural beauty (49km) : Jardin de la poterie Hillen - remarkable garden (49km) :