Mont-de-Marsan

Visit Mont-de-Marsan, Aquitaine

Mont-de-Marsan is inland in Aquitaine, in the Landes department and south of the Parc Naturel Regional des Landes de Gascogne, at the confluence of the Midou river and Douze river (together forming the Midouze river). Dax is to the south-west of here and Nérac to the north-east.

Often ignored by holidaymakers in a rush to reach the Atlantic beaches, Mont-de-Marsan makes an interesting stop-off point with a few interesting features.

Exploring Mont-de-Marsan

There are various half-timbered medieval houses to discover in Mont-de-Marsan. The most impressive ancient houses are in stone, however - the two fortified houses dating from the 12th century. The houses are fortified because they once formed part of the towns defensive walls, and are located in Rue Maubec.

You will see various buildings of interest as you explore such as a small roman style chapel in Place Pujolin and parts of the medieval ramparts of the town.

Another highlight is an interesting museum of sculpture dating from the 1930's - the Musee Despiau-Wlerick. The building itself, called the Donjon Lacataye, is an attractive tower that dates from the 13th century - the two houses that originally formed the building were merged and the crenellations added in the 15th century.

Despiau and Wlerick were sculptors between the two world wars and the museum is dedicated to their works, and also features other sculptures from the same period. The sculpture theme continues in the town itself, with various examples on display as you explore the pedestrianised centre of Mont-de-Marsan.

The covered market at Mont-de-Marsan has a wide range of local produce available and is held twice a week, on tuesday and saturday mornings in Place Saint-Roch.

Children will enjoy the animal park in the Parc de Nahuques, where they can see animals such as sheep, llamas, goats and emus while garden enthusists will perhaps prefer the Parc Jean Rameau with its extensive plant collection. These are just two of the parks in Mont-de-Marsan and help explain how it was awarded the prestigious 4* town in bloom award.

After exploring the town stroll down to the original town port at the confluence of the rivers for a picturesque view of the town.

Mont-de-Marsan is also an important base for the French air-force.

Note: photo is copyright.)

Tourist classifications for Mont-de-Marsan: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*;

Suggested places to visit near Mont-de-Marsan, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Poudenas 59km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Mont-de-Marsan

Mont-de-Marsan tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Hagetmau - ville fleurie 4* (27km) : Palmeraie du Sarthou - remarkable garden (46km) : Jardin du château de Momas - remarkable garden (49km) : Parc du Sarrat - remarkable garden (49km) : Jardins du château de Viven - remarkable garden (49km) : Landes de Gascogne - regional natural parc (54km) :

French version: see Mont-de-Marsan (Francais)