It has been a commune since It was known as Turba or Tarba in Roman times. 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, inhabitants are called Tarbaises and the Tarbais. It is the seat of the diocese of Tarbes-et-Lourdes. Tarbes is a Pre-Pyrenees town within the rich agricultural plain of the river Adour , kilometres 96 miles southwest of Toulouse , kilometres 89 miles to the east of Bayonne , 70 kilometres 43 miles southwest of Auch and 20 kilometres 12 miles northeast of Lourdes.
Tarbes is 1 hr 30 mins from the Atlantic Ocean , 2 hrs 50 mins from the Languedoc coast and 35 minutes from the nearest ski resorts. It is located at an average elevation of metres feet. To the south of Tarbes, along with the pilgrimage town of Lourdes, is the border with Spain. The Pyrenees mountains, lying along the border between France and Spain, can be seen from the town.
Tarbes benefits from its privileged location in the area of the Adour , a milder microclimate than at Lourdes, from a higher altitude, and somewhat less rainy than in Pau, and sunnier. Summers are warm and often stormy, while spring is rainy and cool and autumn is mild and sunny. Winter, meanwhile, is less rigorous but can still hold some surprises.
It was an important town in Novempopulania , one of the Roman provinces at that time. In the 6th century Gregory of Tours referred to it as Talvam vicum. Not to be confused with the Tarbelli , whose capital was Dax. Legend holds that the Queen of Ethiopia , Tarbis, proposed her love to Moses and that he refused. Inconsolable, she decided to leave her throne and hide her disappointment.
