Tarbes
Tarbes (French pronunciation: [taʁb]; Gascon: Tarba) is a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitanie region of southwestern France. It is the capital of Bigorre and of the Hautes-Pyrénées. It has been a commune since 1790. It was known as Turba or Tarba in Roman times. Tarbes is part of the historical region of Gascony.
Tarbes | |
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Prefecture and commune | |
The town hall of Tarbes | |
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Coat of arms | |
Location of Tarbes | |
Tarbes Tarbes | |
| Coordinates: 43°14′N 0°04′E | |
| Country | France |
| Region | Occitania |
| Department | Hautes-Pyrénées |
| Arrondissement | Tarbes |
| Canton | 3 cantons |
| Intercommunality | CA Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2020–2026) | Gérard Trémège (LR) |
| Area 1 | 15.33 km2 (5.92 sq mi) |
| Population (2021) | 43,955 |
| • Density | 2,900/km2 (7,400/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 65440 /65000 |
| Elevation | 284–326 m (932–1,070 ft) (avg. 304 m or 997 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Formerly of strong industrial tradition, Tarbes today tries to diversify its activities, particularly in aeronautics and high tech around the different zones of activities which are increasing. The recent development of Tarbais beans and other regional specialties also shows a willingness to develop the agri-food industry thus justifying its nickname of "market town". Its 42,888 inhabitants are called Tarbaises and the Tarbais.
It is the seat of the diocese of Tarbes-et-Lourdes. The 1st Parachute Hussar Regiment and 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment are stationed in Tarbes.