Place Charles de Gaulle à Mont de MarsanPlace Charles de Gaulle à Mont de Marsan
©Place Charles de Gaulle à Mont de Marsan|OTCA Mont de Marsan
Mont-de-Marsan

Through its history

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  2. Mont de Marsan, the unexpected parenthesis
  3. For the little story
The creation of

Mont de Marsan

Founded in the 12th century by Pierre de Marsan, the city had a large fortress built around the village and a castle located on the current site of the Theatre, known as “le Castelnau”.

It was in the 14th century that Gaston III de Foix-Béarn (Fébus or Phoebus) decided to enlarge Castelnau and reinforce the Château de Nolibos, located at the northeast corner of the fortifications. It also reinforces the ramparts on the east side of the city (part of which is still visible).

Le donjon LacatayeLe donjon Lacataye
©Le donjon Lacataye|Teddy Bear

    The life of the Gascon city

    A peaceful town where life was good, Mont de Marsan was under English domination until the middle of the 15th century. This is one of the reasons why it suffered little from the 100 years war. On the other hand, it suffered a lot from the wars of religion.

    A major river port

    From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, the river port of Mont de Marsan was very active. You should know that at the time, the city was an important stage for trade. One then imagines the barges (gabarres) that transported products from Gascony, wine, spirits, wheat from Armagnac, tar, honey, wood, resinous products or even products imported from the sea, Béarn and even from Holland!

    Berges de la Midouze - Mont de MarsanBerges de la Midouze - Mont de Marsan
    ©Berges de la Midouze - Mont de Marsan|Teddy Bear
      Préfecture des LandesPréfecture des Landes
      ©Préfecture des Landes|Gilles ARROYO

        The passage of Napoleon 1st

        In the 18th century, the city became more and more pleasant. It loses its castle, its towers and its walls to give way to large squares and wide and green arteries.

        The city became the Landes prefecture in 1790. On his way to Spain, Napoleon I stopped at Mont de Marsan in 1808 and had a decree signed ordering the construction of administrative buildings (prefecture, court, prison).

        The city of three rivers

        Today, the banks that border La Midouze invite you to stroll. From the bridge of the Midou esplanade, you can see the washhouse called “cale de l’eauvoir”, dating from 1868!

        It is one of the best viewpoints to admire the confluence of the Midou and the Douze which form the Midouze.

        La Confluence de nuitLa Confluence de nuit
        ©La Confluence de nuit|F.FERRANTI
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