Jardin Massey

Jardin Massey is a 13-hectare garden in Tarbes containing roughly 3800 shrubs and 1370 trees, including old Lebanon cedars and American sweetgum trees arranged in circular patterns. The grounds feature walking paths, a playground, a maze, a refreshment bar, and benches scattered throughout the landscaped area.

Placide Massey, head gardener at Versailles Palace under King Louis-Philippe I, created this garden in 1825 and later bequeathed it to the city of Tarbes. A Gothic cloister with 40 arches was relocated here from Saint-Sever-de-Rustan abbey in 1890 and remains a defining feature of the site.

The grounds hold a museum displaying artworks spanning several centuries and exhibits about military history. These buildings within the park reveal stories from different periods and invite visitors to explore various artistic traditions.

The garden is easily accessible on foot and features broad, level paths suitable for most visitors, with shaded areas beneath the trees. During warmer months, it is wise to arrive earlier in the day as the park can draw crowds and shade becomes limited.

Peacocks roam freely beneath the tall trees, offering visitors unexpected encounters with exotic birds throughout the grounds. These animals have long been part of the site and add a distinctive quality to wandering through it.