Motorhome area of Rabastens-de-Bigorre (Hautes Pyrénées)

Located 20 km north of Tarbes, Rabastens-de-Bigorre is a former royal bastide founded in 1306 by the seneschal Guillaume de Rabastens. Though religious wars have left their mark, the Saint-Louis Church, in Gothic style and restored in the 19th century, remains a heritage gem. Visitors can also explore the Cabri Fountain, a historical gathering place, and the Napoleon III Fountain, built in 1863. Old mills and washhouses, regularly maintained, reflect the town’s glorious past. Rabastens-de-Bigorre is a great base for discovering the region. Only 17 km away stands the Château de Montaner, a 14th-century fortress built by Gaston Fébus. Now listed as a Historical Monument, it offers stunning views over the Adour valley and the Pyrenees and hosts lively medieval events in summer. The nearby city of Tarbes (20 km) is a must-see, with the Massey Garden, labeled "Remarkable Garden", and its museum featuring collections on hussars, fine arts, and natural history. Other notable sites include the birthplace of Marshal Foch, the Tarbes National Stud, and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède Cathedral.