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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The prefecture hotel of the Hautes-Pyrénées, located in Tarbes, has its origin in an episcopal palace built in 1652. This building, located at the south-west end of the fortified episcopal complex, was rebuilt after the destruction of the Wars of Religion, largely in 17th century style. Some lower parts of the west wing, however, retain medieval traces, such as vaulted rooms.

In the 18th century, the palace underwent changes, especially in its interior decor. The small living room called 'Bedroom of the Bishop' illustrates this change with a style typical of the middle of the century, decorated with paintings, woodwork and gypseries. Four oval medallions represent landscapes with ruins, while a game of mirrors creates perspective effects in this small room.

The building was transformed into a prefecture in the 19th century, with the addition of office wings linking the palace to the cathedral. These changes reflect its new administrative role. In 2008, the Bishop's Salon and its decor are partially listed as historical monuments, protecting a witness to the architectural and functional evolutions of the site.

Today, the prefecture remains a symbol of the Tarbese heritage, mixing religious heritage (a nearby cathedral) and departmental power. Its official address, Place du Général-Charles-de-Gaulle, and its Insee code (65440) anchor in downtown Tarbes, in the Occitanie region.

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