Let’s discover Mont-de-Marsan: a stroll around town and tips!

Let's discover the pretty town of Mont-de-Marsan ! Well known for its Madeleine celebrations, it has many other attractions to offer its visitors! From its lively pedestrian streets to its wide open spaces, including tasting Landes specialties, take advantage of your visit to stroll through this warm and gourmet town.

Mont de Marsan, a lively and gourmet town

As soon as we arrive, we head to Place Saint-Roch. Saturday is market day ! It's nice to see the hustle and bustle taking over the town squares. It's the meeting place for locals, regional producers, and delicious local specialties. Between the beautiful colors of the stalls and the smells of the simmering dishes, you won't know where to look first.

It takes place in a large hall or covered market where sellers of fruit and vegetables, homemade jams, but also butchers, bakers, etc. come together. There are so many sellers that some have even set up their stands directly on Place Saint-Roch.

They all seem to offer wonderful products, but here are our two favorites from this beautiful market.

• The first is the baker who has his stand on the square. In addition to his delicious breads, he offers two fabulous Landes specialties : pastis landais and pastis bourrit. The first is a soft brioche flavored with rum, orange blossom, vanilla... It's a treat! Pastis bourrit is similar, but denser. "Bourrit" actually means cake dough in Gascon. It was difficult to choose between the two... So, we bought both!
• Our second favorite of the market is the discovery of the Pons chocolate and pastry shop. Among its creations and specialties, we find the foie gras, apple and candied onion tart. It's beautiful, it smells good, it's local, in short, it's hard to resist.

After some shopping at the market, it's time to take a little break in the sun with the locals on the terraces of Place Saint-Roch. So we took a seat at the Aviator bar. If you're passing through the area, don't miss the outdoor seating area after the bar. The armchairs are old airplane seats ! It's original and quite comfortable.

It's time to head back out to explore the city. The city center is full of beautiful pedestrian streets, making it a great place to explore on foot. If you're traveling by car, it's best to park in one of the many car parks near the center. There are many one-way streets in the center, which can make traffic difficult for unwary visitors.

The beautiful pedestrian streets of Mont-de-Marsan

Charles de Gaulle Square, 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 where the people of Mons meet. The surrounding buildings are superb, especially the Théâtre Le Molière.

The superb Molière Theater

Mont-de-Marsan, the green city

Just a stone's throw from the lively squares, you'll find beautiful, green, and quiet spaces that make you forget you're in the capital of the Landes region. The city is crossed by two rivers that join together to form one: the Midouze. These different waterways give the city a peaceful, natural feel. Take a look at the view from the Pont des Droits de l'Homme. There's a superb view of the confluence of the two rivers and some old buildings.

We also loved crossing the moat footbridge from the Donjon roundabout. It's so peaceful and green. Plus, this footbridge leads us to the museum terrace, then to the ruins of the ramparts and the old washhouse. A guaranteed journey back in time!

To the far north of the city lies another paradise for nature lovers: the large Jean Rameau Park, named after the Landes poet and novelist. It's no surprise for a place so full of beauty. With its 6 hectares, the people of Mons go there to stroll, recharge their batteries, play sports... Superbly maintained, the magnificent trees invite us to take a break in their shade. When I visited, I fell under the spell of this magnolia !

Jean Rameau Park, the perfect place for a nature break

Mont de Marsan, a cultural city

While strolling through this pretty town, I stumbled upon some superb buildings, including Romanesque houses dating back to the 12th century. Whether you're a history buff or not, it's impossible to remain indifferent to these structures that have stood the test of time.

From the High Court, take Rue Maubec and follow it to Rue Victor Hugo. Cross the road and take Rue Pujolin. You can admire a superb Romanesque house and the beautiful building opposite which wonderfully combines old and new. Continue straight on Rue Lacataye until you reach the museum footbridge. Once at the end, turn left to cross the other footbridge. By following the Promenade du 21 Août 1944 then Rue des Remparts, you will have a breathtaking view of period buildings. Finish your journey in style by passing through Ruelle Jeanne d'Albert to arrive at the Despiau-Wlérick Museum !

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

Another place that is emblematic of Mont-de-Marsan and Landes culture is the Plumaçon arena. With more than 7,000 seats, they host nearly 480 events each year! The majority are bullfighting shows including Landes bullfights, bullfights, etc.

After this visit, you should, like us, be charmed by Mont-de-Marsan. Why not extend your stay and visit the surrounding area?

Place Charles de Gaulle offers some nice surprises

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Article and photos prepared by Mélanie Oliva for the Landes Guide