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Ténarèze Tourist Office - +33 (0)5 62 28 00 80
Gascogne Lomagne Tourist Office - +33 (0)5 62 64 00 00
Gascogne Lomagne Tourist Office - +33 (0)5 62 64 00 00
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LookA building Middle Ages
“They knew how to build at the time” we are tempted to say… This is very true, without excluding the talent of the workers of the present. Small fortresses dot the surrounding area and are uncannily similar. Explore the villages and come and discover them.
Dating from the 14th century, the Mas d'Auvignon castle has an irregular hexagonal shape delimiting a central courtyard whose level is very high compared to the castle moats. Its high walls still reveal medieval ogival windows and a forever lowered drawbridge. Current access is to the west via a gate flanked by a square watchtower. The second access was via a passage to the east, at the base of the square tower, protected on the outside by a bretèche.
The Château de Plieux dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries, and still bears the coat of arms of the De Faudoas, masters of the place in the Middle Ages. The De Galards will also be in charge for a while. These two powerful noble families explain the measurements of the castle above the local average. Here and there significant elements to unearth: the machicolation surrounds (almost) the entire perimeter of the castle, the mullioned windows with sumptuous decorations and the famous coat of arms scratched during the revolution. During the visit, the works of Jean Paul Marcheschi will probably have your full attention. The private collection of monumental works by this artist occupies the rooms of the castle, with a striking poetic and plastic power. Be curious!
A few modest houses guide steps and glances towards the western end, the castle. Its sponsor was none other than the bishop of Lectoure, Géraud de Monlezun, to whom the construction site was handed over in 1289. It is the most vivid archetype of a “Gascon castle”, a sort of fort and dwelling resembling a monolith where, above all, defense by height and the few openings on the lower floors took priority. Take a tour and note the skill with which these stones were cut and arranged. Here too, with the Tourist Office and their guides, you could find out more.
One of the most famous and prestigious noble houses of Gascony made it its stronghold from 1252, the de Galard-Terraube. Built around 1272, as evidenced by a dated gargoyle, for the Galard family, the castle was fitted out and enlarged in XVIe,XVIIe et XVIIIe centuries. The residence consists of two classical-style wings which surround the core of the castle. Originally, it only had two square towers which delimited its rectangular body, typical of Gascon castles. Classified as a historic monument, you will learn more about its history by following a guide from the Gascony Lomagne tourist office.
The village is full of half-timbered houses nestled at the foot of the castle. The lords of Flamarens were from 1469 to 1868 the house of Grossolles. It was they who commissioned the work in the XNUMXth century which gave the complex its current distribution. The XNUMXth century will be the time when all the local nobility crowded into the salons of the castle, it was then said: Lo Castet de Flamarens, bèt dehore, bèt deguéns (the castle of Flamarens beautiful outside as well as inside). To find out more about the prestigious nature attached to the place, a visit to the Gascon Castles will enlighten you, normally…
A castle resists cannonballs, but is exposed to the ravages of time! Happy and great news, the Heritage Lottery has won him over. The system led by Stéphane Bern is currently helping the Gadel family (owner) with the repair of the frame and the roof, a colossal work which will restore grandeur and glory to the site! Bravo and long live the Republic!
Look
In the direction of Sainte-Mère here is another fine example of a Gascon castle, the only one to have its staircase tower, outside the structural work... and above all, it was the property of Bertrand de Goth, future Pope Clement V , great architect of the trial of the Templars (met in the previous step). We don't visit but the whole thing is well worth a closer look!