Summary
Capital of the Landes Department, Mont-de-Marsan is a medieval bastide town where the Douze and Andou Rivers converge. Established from scratch as a fortified settlement in the 1100s, remnants of a few fortified houses and segments of the original walls endure from that era. For centuries, Mont-de-Marsan thrived through commerce, transporting Armagnac brandy and other local products down the Midouze River to the Atlantic.
The riverside is still adorned with stone warehouses and quays from this historical period. As a four-star “Ville Fleurie,” Mont-de-Marsan’s charm lies in its lush greenery, plentiful water resources, and subtle historical sites.
Let us explore the notable attractions in Mont-de-Marsan:
1. Donjon Lacataye
This prominent fortified tower introduces a sense of medieval charm to the townscape.
The term “Donjon” translates to “keep,” implying it was part of a larger castle complex; however, the structure comprises two adjacent fortified houses.
From the Midou side, one exhibits the slim windows typical of Romanesque architecture, while the other features square windows, indicating different construction periods.
The site was likely completed around the early 1500s and now houses the Despiau-Wlérick sculpture museum.
Visitors can climb to the battlements for panoramic views.
2. Musée Despiau-Wlérick
Located within the Donjon Lacataye, this museum is the sole French institution dedicated entirely to modern figurative sculpture.
Named after Charles Despiau and Robert Wlérick, both distinguished sculptors from Mont-de-Marsan, the museum features over 2,200 sculptures created from the late 19th century to 1950. Notably, Wlérick is celebrated for his 1936 sculpture of Marshal Foch at the Place du Trocadéro in Paris.
The collection includes three gilded bronze reliefs designed for the 1937 Paris Exhibition by Henri Lagriffoul, along with works by André Greck and Charles Correia.
3. Parc Animalier de Nahuques
Located on four hectares to the east of Mont-de-Marsan, this park is a great destination for children. Animal enclosures are shaded by towering oak trees, predominantly featuring regional species like sheep, donkeys, dwarf goats, and deer.
Additionally, the park is home to Corsican mouflons, emus, wallabies, black swans, and over 100 bird species at the aviary.
A playground caters to younger visitors, while pony rides are available for children up to ten years old. Refreshments, including waffles, crêpes, and soft drinks, can be purchased from stands throughout the park.
4. Romanesque Fortified Houses
Tucked away on the tranquil Rue Maubec are a pair of buildings that trace back to Mont-de-Marsan’s origins.
These structures are similar to Donjon Lacataye, as they consist of fortified houses that were once connected to the city’s defensive walls.
At number 6, there is a house dating back to the late-1100s, recognized as a historic monument, featuring a beautiful mullioned window.
The façade includes arrow loops, and the corbels contain openings from which projectiles or hot oil could have been deployed against assailants.
Another 12th-century house can be found at number 24, which, although less well-preserved, is also worth a brief visit.
5. Parc Jean-Rameau
The elegant Parc de Rameau, situated along a bend in the Douze, was inaugurated in 1813 and possesses an intriguing history.
Initially developed as a venue to test tree and plant species from various global regions, it quickly evolved into a stylish walking destination.
The maritime pine was cultivated here, playing a vital role in draining the Landes marshes and serving as a protective barrier against coastal dunes.
Today, the park maintains its serene atmosphere, featuring a cast iron bandstand from 1907, a fern garden, a Japanese garden, and hydrangea flowerbeds, all sheltered by beech, lime, and pine trees.
6. Sights around Town
Mont-de-Marsan is rich in quaint locations ideal for a walking tour, each with captivating narratives.
The Neoclassical Rotunda on Boulevard de Candau, established by the French Académie d’Agriculture in 1811, was initially intended to serve as a plant nursery; however, the plan was ultimately abandoned.
Near the confluence of the Douze and Midou is a site that once served as a bustling river port, transporting commodities such as Armagnac, wheat, and honey to Bayonne until the early 20th century.
Though barely hinted at now, remnants such as warehouses, docks, and the towpath reveal an activity that began in the 1100s.
Additionally, located at 46 rue Armand-Dulamon is an exquisite 18th-century residence, characterized by its mansard roof and intricate decorative details above the first-floor windows.
7. Base de Loisirs du Marsan
Located just off the Route de Bayonne, to the southwest of Mont-de-Marsan, is a popular location for recreation on warm days.
This expansive 120-hectare outdoor area features a bathing lake and beach, a large fishing pond, and a variety of facilities and equipment for numerous outdoor activities.
For families, the Accrobranche Centre offers climbing attractions with 16 courses suspended high among the park’s tall pines, along with a 700-meter zip-line that soars over the bathing lake.
If driving is not an option, visitors can utilize the free shuttle bus service that operates from the town center during the summer months.
8. Musée du 34e Régiment d’Infanterie
The 34th infantry regiment of the French Army relocated to Mont-de-Marsan from Tarbes in 1876, establishing their headquarters at the Bosquet Barracks.
The Pavillon Solférino, a former guardhouse associated with the barracks, now houses artefacts that will capture the interest of military history enthusiasts.
Exhibits include flags, uniforms, insignias, and archival photographs documenting unique training exercises.
The museum also delves into the lives of notable individuals, such as Abbé Bordes, a volunteer chaplain awarded the Croix de Guerre and Légion d’Honneur during World War I.
9. Lavoirs
Further evidence of the past can be discovered at the six communal washhouses scattered throughout the town.
In contrast to many French cities, these structures have been preserved, serving as reminders of a bygone era.
The most picturesque of them is the Lavoir de la Cale de l’Abreuvoir, dating back to 1870, positioned where the Andou and Douze Rivers converge.
This grand semi-elliptical building features ten arches adorned with geraniums.
Take a moment to observe the flowing river and capture a photo of the rustic old mill located on the opposite bank.
10. Ramparts
Strolling through Mont-de-Marsan provides insight into the significance of the Douze and Andou Rivers as defensive barriers during the medieval era.
Their winding paths form a natural fortification to the North, South, and West of the town.
However, on the unprotected eastern side of the old town, several remnants of 12th-century defensive walls remain visible.
Key locations to explore include Rue Armand Dulamon, Promenade du 21 Août 1944, and the wall adjacent to Donjon Lacataye.
Visitors can observe four rectangular towers, with some wall sections reaching heights of up to ten meters.
11. Grand Moun Mall
The center of Mont-de-Marsan presents a shopping paradise with approximately 400 stores, many managed by local families.
Nevertheless, for those seeking a mall experience, a substantial complex known as Grand Moun lies just outside the town.
Opened in 2014, this upscale establishment features 80 high street stores, including renowned international brands like C&A and H&M, alongside classic French retailers such as Yves Rocher and Intersport.
Facilities include a cafeteria along with several bars and restaurants, and the center is anchored by a branch of the E.Leclerc hypermarket, which is beneficial for those staying in holiday accommodations in Mont-de-Marsan.
12. Fêtes de la Madeleine
Since 1594, the community has gathered annually to celebrate its patron saint, Mary Magdalene.
Presently, the festivities attract nearly half a million participants, many adorning white attire inspired by the San Fermín festival in Pamplona, accented with blue scarves instead of red.
13. Saint-Sever
Similar to Mont-de-Marsan, the village of Saint-Sever, located slightly to the south, has been a destination for pilgrims for centuries.
Many travel toward Compostela in Spain along the Way of St James, with numerous religious sites on the route recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Abbey of Saint-Sever, an 11th-century Romanesque former monastery, is among these notable locations.
The tympanum above the north portal and the 77 sculpted capitals inside the church are celebrated as masterpieces of medieval artistry.
Some of these features retain their original paint, while the oldest artifacts trace back to the Gallo-Roman period.
14. Food and Drink
Dining in Mont-de-Marsan is a delightful experience, as it is situated in a region recognized for producing the highest number of products awarded the French “label de qualité.”
This distinction includes poultry, with local farms raising ducks, geese, and chickens.
Foie gras is especially prominent in Mont-de-Marsan, available in various preparations including cooked, semi-cooked, or raw.
For those looking to bring home a taste of the region, terrines can be purchased at the market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
A classic local dish is confit duck served alongside potatoes fried in duck fat.
Additionally, Mont-de-Marsan lies within the Armagnac region, renowned for its brandy, distilled from wine and aged in oak barrels.
