On the road to Madiran

from LOURDES

Lourdes > Madiran

122 km/3h06

This escapade takes you through the foothills of the Pyrenees into a confidential vineyard area shared between the Hautes Pyrenees, the Gers, and the Bearn - the Madiran. Historically the wines have an image of strength and character, but they can also attain the highest summits of finesse and elegance with the profound intensity of the Tannat grape. The master winemaker of the area, Alain Brumont, produces wines at his Chateau Montus which are classed amongst world's top twenty. Today other talented winemakers follow in his footsteps, their vineyards must also be visited and their wines tasted.

Combine with the itineraries :

Your itinerary

LOURDES > TARBES • 21 km / 33mn

Leave Lourdes towards the north to Tarbes on the N21. At Tarbes follow the Bordeaux direction.

TARBES > MADIRAN : • 40 km / 1h

Pass by Vic en Bigorre and Maubourget then follow Madiran. The return is by the same route.

The Maison des vins de Madiran et du Pacherenc

"Two wine experts are here to explain all there is to know about the Madiran wines."

Two wine experts are here to explain all there is to know about the Madiran wines. Importantly they will explain the very best places to visit. Each day there is a new selection of wines to taste. The Maison des Vins is located in the ancient presbytery, next to the church.

4 rue de l’Église - 65700 Madiran

Road Trip by Madiran

This is an itinerary along the back roads through the Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic Bilh vineyards, with 7 stopping points with information boards and Qr Codes to watch videos. As you travel through a rolling landscape of vines you will discover the secrets of many unique and emblematic vineyards. The history of the grapes, vines of a hundred ‘pieds’, view points, exposition of the vineyards All the wine-growers at the estates visited will be delighted to let you taste their wine.

An itinerary of 55 km. Start from the Maison des Vins in Madiran. Map and leaflet available at the Maison des Vins or the Tourist Office of Val d'Adour / Madiran - 140 Allees Larbanes 65700 MAUBOURGUET. One can hire a GPS at the Tourist Office €5 half-day, €8 day.

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Worth a detour

Tarbes

A gentle way of life with the Pyrenees as a backdrop, welcome to Tarbes, capital of the Bigorre. Take a stroll through the Jardin Massey, an veritable ode to botany. This remarkable park is classified as an exceptional garden, it is over 14 hectares and is the favourite meeting place for the locals. One can stroll in the shade of magnificent cedars and sequoias, between lawns where ducks and peacocks roam. There are entertainments in the bandstand throughout summer...

At one end of the park is the International Hussards Museum which its unique collection of costumes. The many good restaurants of this town in the foothills make this detour very worthwhile.

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Favourite places

L’empreinte at Tarbes

In 2015 Manuel Godet returned to his native town to open this restaurant. His desire was to offer all that is best of the south-west. And he succeeds! Whether fish or meat... he adores working with quality produce, thrills with his sauces and surprising combinations of flavours. His motif - passion and sharing.

Booking is advised.
2 rue Gaston Manent - 65000 Tarbes
+335 62 44 97 48

Le Fil à la Patte at Tarbes

Seated side by side, in a cosy atmosphere, sample the dishes that the chef has prepared according to what was available at the market. The menu changes daily and uses fresh, local produce.

30, rue Georges-Lassalle - 65000 Tarbes

+335 62 93 39 23

Le Petit Gourmand at Tarbes

As you walk in the door, the scents of the little dishes will make you ravenous! In this bistro-style restaurant, with its shady summer terrace, you can sample seasonal dishes. Refined, gourmet home cooking. Excellent wine list.

62 av. Bertrand Barère - 65000 Tarbes

+335 62 34 26 86

L’Aragon at Juillan

This establishment is the Cazaux family’s pride and joy. Its is a peacful setting with a plush, modern ambience. The cooking is inventive with truly local produce and beautiful gourmet dishes.

2 ter, route Lourdes - 65290 Juillan

+335 62 32 07 07

Le Réverbère at Vic-en-Bigorre

This restaurant has a modern and bright dining area. Xavier, the chef, is the conductor of this culinary orchestra. The Michelin inspectors were impressed - "One comes here to enjoy the chef's creations, his use of local produce, he works with many local producers, the result is a cuisine which is generous, tasty and full of flavour".

29 bd d’Alsace - 65500 Vic-en-Bigorre
+335 62 96 78 16