In the footsteps of Massey
Placide Massey (1777–1853), the king’s landscape gardener, donated this extraordinary garden, classified a ‘Remarkable Garden’, to Tarbes, and it is a wonderful place to wander around past the colourful flower beds, for a round the world tour of the most extraordinary trees.
Make sure you visit the Musée Massey, to see the incredible Hussars collection, Fine Arts collection and lots more surprises along the way…
Massey Gardens
Massey Gardens is the favourite place to be for the locals of Tarbes, and it’s guaranteed to be your favourite too. It is a beautiful place all year round!
Musée Massey
Right at the heart of Massey Gardens, in the former residence of famous botanist Placide Massey, Musée Massey (labelled ‘Musée de France’) houses the Musée des Hussards with a one-of-a-kind collection devoted to the Hussars, and a superb Fine Arts collection!
Kids kingdom
In Massey Gardens, the little ones play hide-and-seek with the squirrels, have fun at the playground, go for a ride on the little train… this is their very own little kingdom.
From April to October, the little kings and queens can even go for a ride on a horse-drawn carriage!
Photo opportunity
The Moorish-style former residence of Placide Massey with its very own observation tower overlooking the Pyrenees, is a great place for a photo!
Inside this building, you’ll find Musée Massey.
The Orangerie and the cloister are also magnificent, even though they are currently being renovated.
Added bonus
There are rides on horse-drawn carriage available from April to October.
In the summer, there’s always something going on at the bandstand and open-air theatre on Sundays.
From spring onwards, come and enjoy the refreshments from the Massey Gardens snack bar and enjoy the peace and quiet.
If you’ve still got some time to spare…
Leave Massey Gardens onto Rue Théophile Gautier and venture inside the former Carmelite’s convent (very close) to see the current exhibition!
