Tarbes (French pronunciation: ​[taʁb]) is a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department in the Midi-Pyrénées region of southwestern France. It is the capital of Bigorre. It has been a commune since 1790. It was known as Turba or Tarba in Roman times. Tarbes is part of the historical region of Gascony.Formerly of strong industrial tradition, Tarbes today tries to diversify its activities, particularly in aeronautics and high tech around the different zones of activities which are increasing.