Château de Lagarde

Lagarde, France

The Château de Lagarde is a ruined castle situated near the village of Lagarde. The first documented mention of Lagarde is from the 10th century. The first castle was a square tower with, in the corner, a circular covering tower, built in the 11th century. In the 12th century, four square towers were added as well as a rectangular gatehouse, the whole castle being linked by walls with arrowslits and crenellations.

Following the Albigensian Crusade, the castle was handed to the Lévis-Mirepoix family. In the 14th century, the structure underwent important alterations. Buildings were erected behind each façade, the roofs were raised, a drawbridge was built and the entry gate and building openings were modified. In the 16th century, a large hanging spiral staircase was built (1526) with a flamboyant Gothic vault. Also in this period, the castle was doubled in size with the addition of walls and vaults, a new moat was created with four circular bastions in the corners and the drawbridge entrance was also bastioned. 17th century modifications included the addition of monumental statues on the bastions and the staircase tower, the creation of an esplanade surrounded by fortifications in the south east, the replacement of the drawbridge by a stone bridge with a monumental gateway, and an access ramp leading from the village.

During the French Revolution, the castle was partially destroyed, but it remains today as a bold silhouette looking down over the valley. The ruins comprise several towers and curtain walls.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Dirk Smits (15 months ago)
An interesting castle site although it is a ruin like so many other castles with, in this case, thanks to the French Revolution. The necessary works seem done (stabilization ruin) but you cannot enter the castle. The walk around the walls and the explanation given in video is top notch. Very friendly welcome. Worth a stop. (Check opening hours) I hope further restoration can be done soon.
Marc De Pádua Hussner (16 months ago)
This is an incredible place! What a castle. Unfortunately and albeit understandably, you can’t walk inside it, but it is worth a visit without a doubt. It is in private hands and I can’t commend the owners more. If you come in the summer bring a shade…
John Stenhouse (2 years ago)
Video introduction is very well done, and video tour of the interior is also great. Then walk around the exterior and enjoy this magnificent castle
Dave and Kath Vowles (2 years ago)
Saturday night summer food night - The location is wonderful, the range of food sellers is not as extensive as some of the other local gourmet night markets (5 or 6 as opposed to 20), but you'll still find something you like and the location more than makes up for it. Plus, nowhere else local does this sort of dining on a saturday night in summer.
Jon Rankin (3 years ago)
The summer marché gourmand is a good evening. Lots of people eating and drinking in the warm evening air. Choose an evening when they have fireworks and you will have a great time.
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