Tartas lies on the border between Grande-Lande and Chalosse. The Midouze, a tributary of the Adour, forms a natural boundary between the two landscapes: on one side are extensive pine forests, and on the other, rolling countryside. Two distinct landscapes meet in Tartas.
The town itself can also be understood through its contrasts: the lower town is defined by its quays and riverbanks, while the upper town is shaped by its heritage. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether you would like to spend more time by the water and in nature, or exploring historic buildings.
Nature and activities around Ous Pins
The three-hectare body of water at Ous Pins is near the equestrian centre. It offers opportunities for walking and relaxing. Geese and ducks can be spotted there; European pond turtles may also be seen. Wildlife sightings are seasonal, and particularly in the case of the turtles, are a possibility rather than something to count on.
The Centre Ă©questre Ous Pins is located on a 30-hectare natural site. It offers riding lessons and horseback rides for beginners and experienced riders. The equestrian centre thus adds another way to spend time outdoors alongside walks by the water.
In July and August, canoe trips on the calm waters of the Midouze are available from Tartas. As this is a seasonal activity, it is advisable to check current operating conditions before your trip. The farmers' and crafts market takes place on Saturday mornings, bringing together local producers and craftspeople. Market details may change; check them before your visit.
The gravel route “Circuit de la forêt, la chapelle de Suzan, les sources guérisseuses et le chemin de halage de la Midouze” is on a different scale: it is 51 kilometres long and rated very difficult. The starting point is the Allées marines car park in Tartas; the route heads towards the Centre équestre d’Ous Pins. Compared with a walk, a visit to the market or a seasonal canoe trip, this is a much more substantial sporting option. Choose it according to the distance and difficulty that suit you.
Church and historic house
The present-day Church of Saint-Jacques was built between 1849 and 1854 and classified as a historic monument in 1999. In its architecture, interior decoration and furnishings, it is considered one of the finest regional examples of 19th-century religious art. The construction period and classification date offer two distinct points of reference: the creation of the present building and its later classification.
The Maison dite de Jeanne d'Albret is also listed as a historic monument. Its L-shaped floor plan and three storeys give the building a distinctive architectural profile. Historically, at the beginning of the 17th century, under Louis XIII, it was the residence of the lieutenant generals of the Sénéchaussée de Tartas. Together, the two buildings reflect both the religious art of the 19th century and the town's earlier administrative and residential history.
Plan your stay in Tartas
When making your choice, you can weigh up the different options: Ous Pins combines walks and possible wildlife sightings with an equestrian centre; the Midouze offers a seasonal canoeing opportunity in July and August; and the church and Maison put the focus on heritage. The weekly market also provides a specific time to plan around: Saturday morning. If you are looking for a hotel in Tartas, start by considering which of these aspects of the town matters most for your stay. This will help you choose what to focus on without turning the different activities into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Soustons, Mées, Saint-André-De-Seignanx, Cauna, Gabarret, Léon, Pey, Labatut.
Go to the main travel overview: Landes.
