Barbazan

The site of Barbazan is ancient, Gallo-Roman presence, it one of the first baronnies of Bigorre, is mentioned since12th century. A Marial sanctuary is proved at that time. We know few things of the Templar presence in Barbazan. Some speak about a House others of a Castle, perhaps at the place of the current castle (in restoration), but nothing is certain.

Many legends accompany this place, like the Barbazan Lake (biblical legend)

According to the legend, Holy Pierre and Jesus travelling in The area, fitted like poor people. Pushed back by the inhabitants, They are meted by a modest couple, whose residence is Located apart from the village. To punish villagers. The ground Half-opens, absorbing all except the house of reception. The water which invades the fault gives rise to the lake.

The Barbazan Lake is of major scientific interest. Geological and hydrological phenomenon, it constitutes a rare case of glacial lake located at this altitude. Its feeding system out of water is unknown, because it is nourished by no river, nor no source, and its level does not vary even in period of strong pluviometry. Oysters would have been found there.

The legend adds that the curious woman looks at the scene with too much attention, and that it is transformed in stone, the “Peyre Majou”. This one is located at the edge of the lake, below the vault Saint Michel, between the Barbezan Lake and la Broquères.

Another alternative of the end of legend "Peyre Majou", where the woman was petrified. The woman would have been transformed in a standing stone by God, after having given bread to a beggar.