Massey Garden, or Jardin Massey as it’s known in French, is a pretty public park in the heart of the university city of Tarbes. Enjoy some quiet time in this attractive green space, which is crisscrossed with shaded paths and planted with flowers. The park is also home to the Musée Massey, whose exhibitions tell the history of the Hussars horsemen.
Before your visit learn some of the history of the gardens, which were first planted by landscape gardener Placide Massey. Born in Tarbes in the 1770s, Massey was tasked with looking after some of the gardens at the Palace of Versailles, before designing this space.
Stroll around the park’s pathways, admiring the greenery. Numerous tree species, including Lebanon cedar and sequoias, are planted in the park, along with colorful flowers, such as roses, camellias and azaleas. In addition to lawns and landscaped beds, the park also contains a small lake and streams. If it rains, find shelter inside the park’s orangery.
The park hosts an interesting array of wildlife. Observe ducks swimming around the lake and squirrels climbing up the trees. You may even cross paths with the park’s resident peacocks, which wander about freely.
In addition to walking in the park, a few alternative modes of transportation are available. Take a ride around in a horse-drawn carriage, or have the kids ride the mini-train, which chugs alongside a trickling stream. The park also has a playground.
Look for the Musée Massey, a modest museum located within the park’s boundaries. Browse exhibits featuring military memorabilia, such as uniforms and weapons belonging to the Hussars calvary army. The park is also home to part of a 16th-century cloister, which was taken from the Abbey ofSaint-Sever-de-Rustan and rebuilt here.
Massey Garden is located in the heart of Tarbes, just east of Tarbes train station. From the station, it is just a 7-minute walk or 4-minute drive to the park. The gardens are a public space, and as such, are free to enter. They are open daily from early morning until evening, with extended opening hours during the brighter summer months.
