Tarbes, Prefecture city in Hautes-Pyrénées, France
Tarbes is a prefecture city in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, located at the foot of the Pyrenees in southwestern France. It sits on both sides of the Adour at an elevation of around 300 meters (about 985 feet) above sea level.
The settlement was recorded in the 5th century as Civitas Turba and grew from a Roman military camp. During the medieval period it evolved into a fortified town with strategic importance in the region.
The name derives from the Latin Turba, an early settlement by the river. Today residents stroll through wide avenues and gather in shaded squares at the center.
The central train station connects the city directly to Paris, Toulouse, and Bordeaux. A small airport serves domestic French destinations near the city.
The National Stud Farm was founded in 1806 and still breeds purebred horses today. It also supports regional riding activities and opens its stables to visitors during certain events.
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