Discover Mont-de-Marsan : A walk in town and some tips !

Go and discover the pretty town of Mont-de-Marsan . Well known for its Madeleine festivals, it has many other assets to offer its visitors! From its lively pedestrian streets to its large natural spaces , including the tasting of Landes specialties , take advantage of your passage nearby to go for a walk in this warm and gourmet city ...

Mont de Marsan, lively and gourmet town

As soon as I arrived, I headed for Place Saint-Roch because Saturday is market day ! It's nice to see the bustle take over the city squares. It is the meeting place for locals , regional producers and good local specialties . Between the beautiful colors of the stalls and the smells of the simmering dishes, you will not know where to look. The Mont-de-Marsan market takes place Tuesday morning and Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It takes place in a large hall or covered market where sellers of fruit and vegetables, homemade jams but also butchers, bakers ... There are so many sellers that some have even set up their stands directly on Saint Square. -Roch .

The Mont-de-Marsan market

How good these cheeses with Espelette pepper look

They all seem to offer wonderful products but here are our two favorites of this beautiful market. The first is the baker who has his stand in the square. In addition to its good breads, it offers two fabulous Landes specialties : Landes pastis and pastis bourrit . The first is a soft brioche flavored with rum, orange blossom, vanilla ... It's a treat! The pastis stuffed is similar but denser. "Bourrit" also means cake dough in Gascon. Difficult to choose between the 2 ... suddenly, I bought the 2.

Landes pastis, a tasty specialty

The beautiful pies at the same time fat from Pons pastry shop

Our second favorite of the market is the discovery of the Pons chocolate and pastry shop . Among its creations and specialties, we find the pie with foie gras, candied apples and onions . It's beautiful, it smells good, it's local, in short, difficult to resist.

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After some shopping at the market, it's time to take a break in the sun with the people of Mons on the terraces of Place Saint-Roch . So I took a seat at the Aviator bar. If you happen to be in the area, don't miss the outdoor room after the bar. The armchairs are old airplane seats ! It is original and rather comfortable.
La Réserve and Le Béarn are two other bars that we recommend you try!

A drink on the terrace on Place Saint-Roch

It is time to set off again to explore the city. The center is full of beautiful pedestrian streets , which makes it very pleasant to explore on foot. If you are driving, it is better to park in one of the many car parks near the center . Indeed, there are many one-way streets in the center and can make traffic difficult for uninformed visitors.

The beautiful pedestrian streets of Mont-de-Marsan

Place Charles de Gaulle , to the north of the city, is also worth a visit. There is the tourist office next to the bridge with the beautiful statue of the diver . It is a pleasant place to live where the people of Mons meet. The surrounding buildings are superb, especially the Théâtre Le Molière .

The superb Le Molière Theater

For an even more typical atmosphere, I recommend the Auberge du Grand Megnos for its generous dishes, attentive service and traditional cuisine. It's a 20-minute drive from the center of Mont-de-Marsan, but I promise, you'll be in for a treat!

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Mont-de-Marsan, the green city

A stone's throw from the lively squares , there are beautiful green and calm spaces that make us forget that we are in the capital of the Landes. The city is crossed by 2 rivers which join together to form only one: The Midouze . These different rivers give the city a peaceful and natural appearance . Go take a look at the view from the Human Rights Bridge, tell me about it! We have a superb point of view on the confluence of the 2 rivers and on old buildings.

The beautiful view from the Human Rights Bridge

The beautiful view from the Human Rights Bridge (on the other side!)

I also loved going through the moat footbridge from the Donjon roundabout. It's so calm and so green. In addition, this footbridge leads us to the museum terrace, then to the ruins of the ramparts and the old washhouse. Time travel guaranteed!

To the north of the city is another paradise for nature lovers: the large Jean Rameau park , named after the Landes poet and novelist. No wonder for a place of such beauty. With its 6 hectares, the people of Mons go there to walk, relax, play sports ... Superbly maintained, the magnificent trees invite us to take a break under their shade. During my visit, I fell in love with this magnolia !

Parc Jean Rameau, the perfect place for a nature break

Mont de Marsan, a cultural city

While strolling in this pretty city, I came across superb buildings including Romanesque houses dating from the 12th century ! Whether one is keen on history or not, it is impossible to remain insensitive to these structures which have crossed the ages.

Dungeon in sight!

One of the superb Romanesque houses of Mont de Marsan

I have concocted for you a short course of 1km in the historic center which will certainly delight you! Go ahead, click to see the route on Google Map!

From the Tribunal de Grande Instance , take rue Maubec and follow it until rue Victor Hugo, then cross the road and take rue Pujolin. You can admire a superb Romanesque house and the beautiful building opposite which marvelously combines the old and the modern. Continue straight on rue Lacataye until you reach the footbridge of the museums . Once at the end, turn left to go over the other footbridge. By following the promenade of August 21, 1944 then the rue des remparts , you will have a breathtaking view of period buildings. End your journey in style by going through the Jeanne d'Albert lane to arrive at the Despiau-Wlérick museum !

Welcome to the museum

The alliance of the old and the modern

The Musée Despiau-Wlérick museum is located in the heart of the historic center . Lovers of art and sculpture will be delighted to visit this 13th century building. It is also possible to visit the 2 gardens. In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum offers cultural events throughout the year and for all agess. Conferences, national days of archeology or even a relaxation center are good examples of cultural events open to all. The museum joined the Joyeux Museums community in 2018 and is committed to providing a better welcome to young people and families. Among the initiatives, a booklet to be completed is available to facilitate the visit of the youngest. Good idea, isn't it?

Another place is emblematic of Mont-de-Marsan and Landes culture: the arenas of Plumaçon. With more than 7,000 seats, they host nearly 480 events each year! The majority are bullfighting shows including Landes races, bullfights ... It is possible to visit the arenas in summer, Thursday morning, by reservation at the Tourist Office. Info on www.visitmontdemarsan.fr, “guided tours” section.

The arenas of Plumaçon

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After this visit, you should like me, be seduced by Mont-de-Marsan . Why not extend your stay and visit the surroundings? Take the opportunity to make a stopover at the Hôtel de la Renaissance . This 3 * establishment is easy to access and really pleasant: spacious rooms, varied breakfasts, attentive staff ...
Note that a motorhome area is located a few kilometers from the city center.

Finally, and to find out more about the activities to do in the area, take a look at our agenda.