Mont-de-Marsan is a city known primarily to people who like modern art. There is a large museum presenting collections of 20th century sculpture, and the Sculpture Festival is also held here every 3 years.
The city does not have many preserved monuments or a compact old town. The two most important and oldest buildings, the Romanesque monastery and the medieval Lacataye fortress are occupied by the Despiau-Wlérick Museum. It is devoted to contemporary sculpture and has a large collection of works by local artists Despiau and Wlérick, and a collection of 20th century European sculptors. Their works are displayed both in the buildings and in the adjacent garden.
In addition to the museum, the attraction of Mont-de-Marsan is the Jean-Rameau park located on the Douze river. Beautiful alleys, nice views of the river valley and the Japanese garden are complemented here with outdoor sculptures made by Charles Despiau.
