Mont-de-Marsan, the capital of Landes, is full of architectural treasures, unusual places, and original activities. To make sure you don't miss anything, here are the 10 things to see and do in the "City of Three Rivers."
The Lacataye Donjon and the Despiau-Wlérick Museum
In the historic center of Mont-de-Marsan, the Lacataye Donjon is the emblematic monument of the city. Built in the 13th century, it now houses the Despiau-Wlérick Museum, dedicated to French figurative sculpture between 1880 and 1950 (Drivier, Fath, Joffre, Niclausse, Alfred-Jean Halou, Jane Poupelet...). The visit continues in the sculpture garden, where other statues are rooted in their green setting (free and open access).
Statues in the City
A sculpted walk through the city! In Mont-de-Marsan, statues step out of their usual setting, and art is displayed outdoors. Around forty works are installed in the open air, in the city's streets, parks, and gardens. The sculptures are numbered to make the walk easier. One of the most famous statues is "the diver," installed along the banks of the Midouze.
The Romanesque Fortified Houses
In the Middle Ages, Mont-de-Marsan was the main fortified town in Landes. From this period, some Romanesque fortified houses built of shell stone in the mid-12th century still remain. Rare witnesses to medieval military architecture, they were erected during the city's founding. Three of them are now listed as historical monuments (Maubec Street and Lacataye Street).
Rue des Arceaux
In the heart of the city center, the Rue des Arceaux is one of the oldest in Mont-de-Marsan. Inherited from the Middle Ages, five half-timbered passages connect the first floors of facing houses. In the past, these covered bridges (called "arceaux") served as a walkway between the shops on Gambetta Street and their former storerooms.
The Church of La Madeleine
Just a stone's throw from the old castle, the Church of La Madeleine is also one of the must-see attractions in Mont-de-Marsan. The neoclassical style of the pediment is reminiscent of the Church of La Madeleine in Paris. Inside, a marble high altar, a work by the Mazzetti brothers, draws the eye. The main fresco, a work by Madame Grimard-Baudet, is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, whose feast day is celebrated on July 22 and gives rise to a large popular festival.
The Plumaçon Arenas
Listed as "20th Century Heritage," the Plumaçon Arenas were built in 1889 according to the plans of architect Jules Dupouy. The building was restored and enlarged in 1933 by Franck Bonnefous. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by Mauro Corda's monumental bronze bullfighter statue (1991). A major center of Gascon culture, the Mont-de-Marsan arenas host Landes bull races, corridas, un-picador bullfights (novilladas non piquées), and other bullfighting spectacles that traditionally accompany the Madeleine festivities in July. Five days (and nights) of feria!
The Cordeliers Convent
On the left bank of the Midou, the Cordeliers Convent was founded around 1260 by Gaston VII de Béarn, Viscount of Marsan. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It's a shame the monument is not open to visitors. However, you can walk around it to observe certain details.
Saint Roch Market
Ranked among the 100 most beautiful markets in France, the St-Roch Market is a true institution in Mont-de-Marsan. It takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings in Saint-Roch Square, nicknamed the Red Square. It's the ideal place to buy authentic Landes foie gras and the best goose and duck products.
The Old Port Site
From the 12th century until 1903, Mont-de-Marsan was a very active river port, operating in the wake of the port of Bayonne and that of Dax. From this era, the old "Grenier des Landes" (Landes Granary) remains—a port area with its flour mill (now the Tourist Office), old warehouses, paved quays, and gently sloping slipways. To do: take the developed walk along the towpath, along the banks of the Midouze.
Nahuques Animal Park
Nestled in the heart of the city, the Nahuques park is a perfect place for a family stroll. Across four hectares of greenery, in the shade of large century-old oak trees, you'll find games for children, a picnic area, and a variety of semi-free animals: ponies, llamas, roe deer, fallow deer, wallabies, peacocks, dwarf goats, Patagonian hares, and about a hundred birds. A refreshing and free outing idea to enjoy with the kids.
photo©Jibi44, CC by-sa 3.0
