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Marshal Foch’s Birthplace

Plaque displayed on the façade. Source: Creative Commons Attribution licence

In the heart of the historic centre of Tarbes, near the cathedral of Notre Dame de la Sède, stands the house in which Marshal Foch was born.

This fine property, built in the typical Bigorre style, is located in the heart of Tarbes’ old town, near the cathedral, and contains the personal belongings of Foch and his family.

Since the end of the First World War, a plaque has reminded passers-by that the Supreme Allied Commander was born here. 

A listed building since 1938, the house was made into a museum in 1951.

On 1 March 2008, ownership of the property was transferred from the French State to the City of Tarbes.

A typical 18th-century Bigorre house, it is of particular architectural interest, with its balustered exterior gallery with pelmets and marble-framed windows. Inside is a fine staircase in carved wood, imitating 17th-century ironwork.

This intimate setting was where Ferdinand Foch spent the first 12 years of his life. Today, the family home houses the personal belongings and mementos of Foch the officer. Portraits depict the military man who was made a Marshal of France, a British Field Marshal and a Marshal of Poland.

The collection consists of personal belongings of Foch and his family, which chart both his personal journey and his public life as a Marshal of France. One room is devoted to the gratitude of the Allied countries.

A graduate of the École Polytechnique, a trained artilleryman and a teacher of tactics of warfare, Foch is remembered as one of the great figures of the First World War, who led the Allies to victory. Marshal Foch died on 20 March 1929 in Paris, leaving behind the memory of international gratitude.

 

 

Maison Natale du Maréchal Foch
2, rue de la Victoire - 65000 Tarbes
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 93 19 02
Email: musee@mairie-tarbes.fr

 

 

Tarbes City Council

  • Foch at the Front. Source: Mairie de Tarbes

  • Plaque. Source: Mairie de Tarbes

  • Foch’s study. Source: Mairie de Tarbes

  • Postcard showing Marshal Foch’s birthplace in Tarbes in 1900. Source: www.notrefamille.com

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    Practical information

    Address

    2 rue de la Victoire - 65000
    Tarbes
    Tel : 05.62.93.19.02

    Prices

    Gratuit

    Weekly opening hours

    Ouvert tous les jours sauf le mardi 09h30 - 12h15 / 14h00 - 17h15

    Fermetures annuelles

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