Thermes-Magnoac can be explored through its garden culture and local history. The Jardin de la Source is a five-hectare organic garden. Also worth visiting are the Gothic Église Saint-Barthélemy and the Maison du Patrimoine, which incorporates surviving stones from the former castle. Here, botanical design, historic architectural styles and a tangible trace of the former castle stand alongside one another as distinct themes.

Gardens with different focuses

The Jardin de la Source features ponds, centuries-old oak trees, a fragrance trail, fruit trees and a chestnut grove. This selection brings together bodies of water, old trees and different planting areas, without limiting the garden to a single theme. Those interested in gardens will find several specific features to focus on here. A visit must be arranged in advance; confirm the appointment again before travelling.

Les Jardins de la Poterie Hillen are laid out across several levels. The areas include contemporary, English, botanical and rural garden sections, an organic kitchen garden and exotic areas. The exotic garden’s collection includes more than 100 species of bamboo. This layout makes the gardens particularly interesting for travellers who want to explore different design approaches and an extensive bamboo collection. In 2010, Les Jardins de la Poterie Hillen were classified as a “Jardin Remarquable” by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.

Gothic architecture and local history

The Église Saint-Barthélemy is Gothic and dates from the 16th century. Its architectural features include a flat-ended apse, a nave with three bays and carved bosses decorated with coats of arms. The flat-ended apse describes the shape of the choir’s end; the three bays divide the nave. The coats of arms on the bosses add a distinctive decorative detail. The church can thus be understood both in terms of its period and its specific architectural features.

The Maison du Patrimoine stands opposite the church, on the edge of the church grounds and its Calvary. It incorporates the surviving stones from the former castle. This gives the local history a specific architectural context: the castle is no longer standing, while its surviving stones form part of the Maison du Patrimoine. The Chapelle Saint-Roch is also located on the outskirts of the village and has a rest area.

Cuisine for planning your trip

L’Esprit d’Elisa serves French, fusion, Asian and international cuisine. Depending on the season, organic and local produce is given preference. The range of cuisine therefore extends beyond a single culinary tradition, while the seasonal selection of produce also has a distinct role. If you would like to include meals in your travel plans, check in advance whether a visit is possible.

To decide what to focus on, you can follow the themes that interest you most: the different garden designs, the details of Gothic architecture or the architectural traces of the former castle. The Chapelle Saint-Roch and the culinary offering add further specific points of interest to this selection for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Hibarette, Juillan, Fontrailles, Agos-Vidalos, Bettes, Ossen, Peyresourde-Balestas, Escaunets.

For the overview of the wider region: Hautes-Pyrénées.