Yauzan

Yauzan is a commune in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of southwestern France, situated within the Tarbes arrondissement and part of the Val d'Adour en Lavedan canton. The municipality covers an area of 5.54 square kilometres, with an elevation ranging from 312 to 371 metres above sea level, and the town centre sits at an elevation of about 330 metres. It is located approximately 15 kilometres northwest of the departmental capital, Tarbes, and lies close to the confluence of the Adour and Gave rivers.

The geography of Yauzan is typical of the Basque and Gascon countryside, featuring gentle hills, mixed farmland and patches of dense forest. The surrounding plateau is well irrigated, supporting both pastoral and crop farming. The climate is temperate oceanic with relatively mild winters and warm summers, moderated by the proximity to the Pyrenees.

The first recorded mention of Yauzan appears in medieval Latin documents dating to the 12th century, when it was part of the domain of the regional lords of Lavedan. Over the centuries, the commune experienced slow but steady growth, largely tied to agricultural productivity. During the French Revolution, Yauzan became part of the newly created Hautes-Pyrénées department, and the administrative borders were finalized in the 19th century.

As of the most recent national census, Yauzan has a population of just over 300 residents. The local economy is still dominated by agriculture, especially livestock grazing and cereal cultivation, though recent developments include small artisanal cooperatives and a modest tourism sector focused on rural lodging and cultural heritage. The community is served by the regular bus routes that connect it to Tarbes and neighboring villages, and by regional road networks.

The most notable landmark in the commune is the 12th‑century Saint‑Martin church, a modest Romanesque structure that houses several historical artifacts. Additionally, the nearby Domaine de Fréjus hosts a small winery that has been operated by the same family for generations. Local governance is headed by a mayoral council; the current mayor holds office for the 2023‑2026 term, ensuring that Yauzan maintains its status as a self‑sufficient local municipality within the larger administrative framework of the Hautes‑Pyrénées.