The Church of Saint Jean
The 15th century Church of Saint-Jean is in the town centre. The local shopkeepers of the area still recall that one of the oldest markets in the town centre was once held right here. Step inside to admire the altarpiece and organ…
The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Saint John the Baptist) as we see it today has been transformed many times over the years.
This 15th-century monument was built in a beautiful Gothic style and its most notable feature is the huge, square tower dating from the 17th century. On the north facade there is a 19th-century Neo-Gothic porch.
Inside, you’ll find a big altarpiece in a combination of Baroque and contemporary styles, by sculptor Jean Brunelo. You will be taken aback by the modernism portrayed in paintings by Bruno Schmeltz (Remarkable buildings/Trompe l’œil).This internationally renowned artist (who lives in the Pyrenees), created the paintings for the high altar in 1997.
They portray the baptism of Christ, the three apostles including Saint John wearing jeans and Pyrenean sheep farmers.
We also recommend you take the time to admire the recently restored organ and cabinet with mouldings made from local oak.
In the surrounding area of the church
At the town square, there’s a fountain made from Sarrancolin marble by contemporary artist Jacques Comas, a former sculptor teacher at the Ecole des Arts in Tarbes. On the lower section, you’ll see monsters holding the book of Revelation, where the hand symbolises the involvement of man in these disasters.
The paved square in front of the Church of Saint-Jean leads onto Brauhauban pedestrian street, right in the centre of Tarbes, where some very famous names were born:
- at n°31, the politician and founding father of the department of the Hautes-Pyrénées, Bertrand Barère (1755-1841),
- at n°23, famous writer Théophile Gautier (1811-1872), author of the well-known novel Captain Fracasse
- and at n°19, writer Laurent Tailhade (1854-1919).
Added bonus
This may be the main house of worship for the locals of Tarbes, but it is also the venue for some wonderful concerts.
Contact details
Rue Brauhauban – 65000 Tarbes
Opening hours
from Monday to Saturday: 9am to 6:30pm
Sundays: 10am to 12pm
Disabled access: Yes (with assistance)
Pets welcome: No
Prices
Free
