Tarbes

Tarbes
Prefecture and commune
The town hall of Tarbes
Coat of arms
Location of Tarbes
Tarbes Show map of France Tarbes Show map of Occitanie
Coordinates: 43°14′N 0°04′E / 43.23°N 0.07°E / 43.23; 0.07
Country	France
Region	Occitania
Department	Hautes-Pyrénées
Arrondissement	Tarbes
Canton	3 cantons
Intercommunality	CA Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées
Government
• Mayor (2020–2026)	Gérard Trémège[1] (LR)
Area 1	15.33 km2 (5.92 sq mi)
Population  (2021)[2]	43,955
• Density	2,900/km2 (7,400/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code	65440 /65000
Elevation	284–326 m (932–1,070 ft) (avg. 304 m or 997 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Tarbes (French pronunciation: [taʁb]; Gascon: Tarba) is a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Occitanie region of southwestern France.^[3] It is the capital of Bigorre and of the Hautes-Pyrénées. It has been a commune since 1790. It was known as Turba or Tarba in Roman times.^[4] Tarbes is part of the historical region of Gascony.

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 42,888 inhabitants are called Tarbaises and the Tarbais.

It is the seat of the diocese of Tarbes-et-Lourdes. The 1st Parachute Hussar Regiment and 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment are stationed in Tarbes.