Tarbes is a commune located in the Hautes-Pyrénées department within the Occitanie region of southwestern France. It serves as the administrative capital for both the Bigorre province and the Hautes-Pyrénées department. The settlement has been recognized as a commune since 1790.
Historically, the area was known as Turba or Tarba during Roman times and is situated within the historical region of Gascony. It remains a significant regional center in the southwestern part of the country.