Castles in Gers
Encyclopedia
There are numerous Castles in the Gers
départment of France
. Many are little more than ruins and some are barely discernible, while others have been converted into modern homes. Castles or their remains may be found at the following locations, among others:
Gers
The Gers is a department in the Midi-Pyrénées region in the southwest of France named after the Gers River.Inhabitants are called les Gersois or Gersoises.-History:...
départment of France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. Many are little more than ruins and some are barely discernible, while others have been converted into modern homes. Castles or their remains may be found at the following locations, among others:
- AvensacAvensacAvensac is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: 14th century castle, remodelled in the first half of the 19th century. Notable parts include the keepKeepA keep is a type of fortified tower built within castles during the Middle Ages by European nobility. Scholars have debated the scope of the word keep, but usually consider it to refer to large towers in castles that were fortified residences, used as a refuge of last resort should the rest of the...
, enceinteEnceinteEnceinte , is a French term used technically in fortification for the inner ring of fortifications surrounding a town or a concentric castle....
and terrace with supporting wall and staircases. Privately owned, the castle has been a protected monument historiqueMonument historiqueA monument historique is a National Heritage Site of France. It also refers to a state procedure in France by which national heritage protection is extended to a building or a specific part of a building, a collection of buildings, or gardens, bridges, and other structures, because of their...
since 1983. (43°49′54"N 0°54′13"E)
- BarranBarranBarran is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.It is located on the river Baïse from the capital of the Gers department, Auch....
: The Château de Mazères was originally a 15th century castle, altered in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Listed as a monument historique since 1981. (43°38′50"N 0°24′30"E)
- BassouesBassouesBassoues is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Geography:The Auzoue, a tributary of the Gélise, has its source in the southwestern part of the commune. The Guiroue, another tributary of the Gélise, flows north through the eastern part of the commune...
: The Château de Bassoues dates from the last quarter of the 14th century. The property of the communeCommunes of FranceThe commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
, it has been listed as a monument historique since 1840. It was built by Arnaud Aubert, who became Archbishop of AuchAuchAuch is a commune in southwestern France. Located in the region of Midi-Pyrénées, it is the capital of the Gers department. Auch is the historical capital of Gascony.-The Ausci:...
in 1361. The accounts for the year 1370-71 of Raymond Sans, treasurer of Auch, detail the building of the castle. (43°34′46"N 0°14′52"E)
- BeaumontBeaumont, GersBeaumont is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-Sights:The Château de Beaumont was constructed in the 14th century. Significant building work was carried out in the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries....
: The Château de Beaumont was constructed in the 14th century. Significant building work was carried out in the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries. (43°56′53"N 0°17′6"E)
- BérautBérautBéraut is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The privately owned Château de Lasserre is a 14th century castle, modified in the 16th and 18th centuries. (43°55′58"N 0°24′32"E)
- BivèsBivèsBivès is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: Originally a 13th century structure, the Château de Bivès was altered for Bernard de Castelbajac in the last quarter of the 16th century when the residence was altered and a tower added. Further alterations were made in the last quarter of the 19th century. It is privately owned. (43°50′6"N 0°48′26"E)
- BerracBerracBerrac is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: The Château de Cadreils is believed to date from the 16th century. Additional building has been dated to 1689. The interior was remodelled in the 18th century. (44°0′22"N 0°33′46"E)
- CassaigneCassaigneCassaigne is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: has two castles, both privately owned. The Château de Cassaigne dates from the 13th, 15th and 18th centuries. Of note are the façades and roofs, including those of the common buildings, the moat and bridge, the 18th century dining room and its chimney and the ground floor kitchen in the north wing. The Château de Cassaigne has been listed as a monument historique since 1987. (43°54′30"N 0°20′9"E). The Château de Léberon was constructed in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries and has been listed as a monument historique since 1963. (43°54′40"N 0°21′7"E)
- Castéra-LectouroisCastéra-LectouroisCastéra-Lectourois is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The Château de Castéra-Lectourois dates from the second half of the 15th century. Privately owned, the site has been listed as a monument historique since 1943. (43°58′33"N 0°36′29"E)
- Castet-ArrouyCastet-ArrouyCastet-Arrouy is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Geography:The river Auroue flows north through the commune and forms part of its northeastern border.-Population:-Sights:...
: The Château de Gachepouy was built between 1579 and 1584 for Anne d' Aydie, baroness of Pordéac. A starircase tower, now destroyed, was added in 1601 for Catherine des Fontaines, by Raymond Salles, master mason of Lavit de Lomagne. (43°59′4"N 0°44′6"E)
- CondomCondom, GersCondom , also referred to as Condom-en-Armagnac, is a commune in southwestern France in the department of Gers, of which it is a subprefecture.-Way of St. James:...
: The Château de Mothes dates from the last quarter of the 13th and first quarter of the 14th centuries, with additions from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a privately owned monument historique, so listed since 1987. (44°0′49"N 0°25′28"E). The Château de Pouypardin dates from the last quarter of the 13th and first quarter of the 14th centuries, with additions in the 15th and 16th centuries. A monument historique since 1986, it is particularly noted for its orangeryOrangeryAn orangery was a building in the grounds of fashionable residences from the 17th to the 19th centuries and given a classicising architectural form. The orangery was similar to a greenhouse or conservatory...
, tower, hall, staircase and roof. (43°59′31"N 0°19′45"E)
- CourrensanCourrensanCourrensan is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Geography:The Auzoue forms part of the commune's southern border, then flows north-northwest through the middle of the commune....
: The Château de Courrensan was built in the 13thm 15th, 16th and 18th centuries. It has been protected as a monument historique since 1979 and is noteworthy especially for its 15th century columned chimney in a second floor room. A ground floor room in the 18th century wing contains impressive wood decoration. (43°51′0"N 0°14′31"E)
- EspasEspasEspas is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: The Château d'Espas was originally constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries, with additions in the 17th century. Little of the original remains. (43°46′53"N 0°4′20"E)
- FlamarensFlamarensFlamarens is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: See Château de FlamarensChâteau de FlamarensThe Château de Flamarens is a castle in the commune of Flamarens in the Gers département of France.A castrum is mentioned on the site in 1289 and is believed to have been remodelled in the 14th century. Additional building work and alterations were made soeem time between 1469 and about 1475 by...
(44°1′0"N 0°47′31"E)
- GimbrèdeGimbrèdeGimbrède is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Geography:The river Auroue forms all of the commune's southeastern border, then flows north through its eastern part.-Population:-References:*...
: A castle was built at Rouillac by Bertrand de Goth, Viscount of Lomagne, between 1311 and 1323. It was altered and enlarged in the 18th century. (44°1′16"N 0°42′29"E)
- HompsHomps, GersHomps is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: See Château d'Homps (43°48′39"N 0°51′22"E)
- LabriheLabriheLabrihe is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: See Château de BouvéesChâteau de BouvéesThe Château de Bouvées is a ruined castle in the commune of Labrihe in the Gers département of France.The castle was built between 1530 and 1560 by Monseigneur de Saint-Julien, bishop of Aire-sur-Adour, on the ruins of an earlier structure...
(43°44′51"N 0°53′30"E)
- LagardèreLagardèreLagardère may refer to:* Lagardère Group* Jean-Luc Lagardère* Arnaud Lagardère* Lagardère, a commune of the Gers département, in France...
: The ruins of the Château de Lagardère date back to the last quarter of the 13th century. The castle has been listed as a monument historique since 1922. (43°50′29"N 0°19′26"E)
- LarressingleLarressingleLarressingle is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: See Château de LarressingleChâteau de LarressingleThe Château de Larressingle is a ruined castle in the commune of Larressingle in the Gers département of France.The castle was built in the second half of the 13th century. The second and third floors were added by Arnaud Orthon de Lomagne, Bishop of Condom, between 1285 and 1305...
(43°56′38"N 0°18′40"E)
- Larroque-EngalinLarroque-EngalinLarroque-Engalin is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The ruined castle dates originally from the 13th century. A residence and staircase tower were added in the second half of the 15th century or first half of the 16th. The castle has been listed as a monument historique since 1949. (43°59′25"N 0°32′26"E)
- La SauvetatLa Sauvetat, GersLa Sauvetat is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The Château de Sérillac was originally and ancient Gascon fortress. During the Renaissance, it was converted to a country residence. Every century from the 13th to the 18th is represented in its architecture and decoration. The castle, its grounds and the remains of the chapel have been listed as a monument historique since 2002. (43°51′16"N 0°32′23"E)
- LaujuzanLaujuzanLaujuzan is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: The 13th/14th century chapel of the Château de Lau is the property of the commune and a monument historique since 1981. The Chateau de Lau, originally 11th/12th, was remodelled in the 17th/18th centuries. It is currently in a state of ruin. (43°47′9"N 0°6′21"W)
- LavardensLavardensLavardens is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The present massive structure dates from 1620 onwards, but is based around an earlier castle from the 13th century which was dismantled in 1496 by Charles VIIICharles VIII of FranceCharles VIII, called the Affable, , was King of France from 1483 to his death in 1498. Charles was a member of the House of Valois...
following a siege. (43°45′39"N 0°30′39"E)
- L'Isle-BouzonL'Isle-BouzonL'Isle-Bouzon is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Geography:The village lies above the right bank of the Auroue, which flows north through the western part of the commune. The river Arrats forms all of the commune's eastern border....
: The commune contains the remains of three castles. A 13th century castle was founded by the Galard family. This was totally rebuilt in the 18th century. It is privately owned. The terrace and the supporting wall have been protected as a monument historique since 1995. A second castle, rebuilt in the 16th century is now a ruin and in a poor state. It has been protected since 1951. A 12th/13th century castle, owned by the commune, has also been protected since 1951. (43°55′45"N 0°43′43"E)
- LupiacLupiacLupiac is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Geography:The Auzoue forms most of the commune's southeastern border.The Douze forms the commune's western border.-Population:-Literature:...
: The Château de Castelmore is, by tradition, the birthplace of d'ArtagnanD'ArtagnanCharles Ogier de Batz de Castelmore, Comte d'Artagnan served Louis XIV as captain of the Musketeers of the Guard and died at the Siege of Maastricht in the Franco-Dutch War. A fictionalized account of his life by Gatien de Courtilz de Sandras formed the basis for the d'Artagnan Romances of...
. It is privately owned. (43°42′39"N 0°9′28"E)
- Maignaut-TauziaMaignaut-TauziaMaignaut-Tauzia is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The Château de Tauzia dates from the end of the 13th century, with alterations from the 16th. (43°53′39"N 0°23′20"E)
- MansencômeMansencômeMansencôme is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The Château de Mansencôme was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Transept windows were added in the 18th century. The castle is privately owned and has been a monument historique since 1927. (43°52′17"N 0°20′19"E)
- Mauléon-d'ArmagnacMauléon-d'ArmagnacMauléon-d'Armagnac is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The Château de Maniban, built in the 14th century and remodelled in the 17th century, includes murals from the end of the 15th and early 16th centuries. (43°53′54"N 0°9′2"W)
- MérensMérensMérens is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: See Château de MérensChâteau de MérensThe Château de Mérens is a castle in the commune of Mérens in the Gers département of France.Construction of the castle dates from the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th centuries. It was altered in the early 17th century....
(43°45′10"N 0°32′21"E)
- MonfortMonfortMonfort is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: The Château d' Esclignac is a castle built at the end of the 15th century and beginning of the 16th century, protecetd as a monument historique since 1958. (43°48′14"N 0°48′17"E)
- MontesquiouMontesquiouMontesquiou is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.The village of Montesquiou is the historical seat of the Montesquiou-Fezensac family.-Population:-References:*...
: The Château de la Mothe was constructed in the 14th century and is now in ruins. It is a privately owned mounument historique, protected since 1941. (43°34′34"N 0°18′1"E)
- MontréalMontréal, GersMontréal is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.It lies not far from Castelnau-d'Auzan.-Geography:...
: The Château de Balarin was constructed at the end of the 13th century on the frontier of what was then English territory. It underwent substantial modification at the end of the 15th century to make it habitable, most importantly, the addition of windows and a circular tower. Now ruined, it has been a protected monument historique since 1942. (43°57′53"N 0°15′2"E)
- PouylebonPouylebonPouylebon is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: Remains of a 13th century castle, owned by the commune and a mounment historique since 1940. (43°32′52"N 0°17′38"E)
- Pouy-RoquelaurePouy-RoquelaurePouy-Roquelaure is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The square castle with one upper floor is believed to date from the 16th century and was partially rebuilt in the 19th century. (44°2′11"N 0°31′11"E)
- RoquebruneRoquebrune, GersRoquebrune is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: The Château de Pujos dates from the 16th century is noted for its spiral staircase and original chimneys. It is privately owned. (43°42′46"N 0°18′15"E)
- Saint-Avit-FrandatSaint-Avit-FrandatSaint-Avit-Frandat is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: See Château de LacassagneChâteau de LacassagneNote: the name is frequently given as Château de La Cassagne. The name employed here is as used by the French Ministry of Culture.The Château de Lacassagne is a castle in the commune of Saint-Avit-Frandat in the Gers département of France....
(43°58′26"N 0°39′10"E)
- Sainte-GemmeSainte-Gemme, GersSainte-Gemme is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The 13th century castle, improved in the 16th and 17th centuries, is linked to the Gère family. With its chapel, registered as a monument historique.
- Sainte-MèreSainte-MèreSainte-Mère is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: See Château de Sainte-MèreChâteau de Sainte-MèreThe Château de Sainte-Mère is a 13th century ruined castle in the commune of Sainte-Mère in the Gers département of France.The castle was built at the time of the Treaty of Amiens by the Bishop of Lectoure, Géraud de Monlezun. It defended the frontier of the English possessions...
(44°0′20"N 0°40′1"E)
- Saint-GeorgesSaint-Georges, GersSaint-Georges is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The Château du Bartas (or Barthas) dates from the second half of the 16th century. (43°43′28"N 0°55′32"E)
- Saint-Jean-PoutgeSaint-Jean-PoutgeSaint-Jean-Poutge is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: See Château de HerreboucChâteau de HerreboucThe Château de Herrebouc is a castle in the commune of Saint-Jean-Poutge in the Gers département of France.Though an older building, the present look of the castle is the result of a major campaign of construction work at the start of the 17th century. On the ground floor, the 17th century ceiling...
(43°44′26"N 0°22′58"E)
- Saint-LarySaint-Lary, GersSaint-Lary or Saint-Lary dans le Gers is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The four-storeyed ruined castle dates from the 13th and 15th centuries. It is privately owned and has been listed as a monument historique since 1933.
- Saint-Martin-d'ArmagnacSaint-Martin-d'ArmagnacSaint-Martin-d'Armagnac is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The castle dates from 1563. (43°42′27"N 0°4′3"W)
- Savignac-MonaSavignac-MonaSavignac-Mona is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The 16th century Château de Savignac was altered in the early 17th century and in the last quarter of the 19th. It is privately owned. (43°29′20"N 1°0′32"E)
- SeissanSeissanSeissan is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: The Château du Garranée was originally constructed in the 11th century. It was modified in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. (43°30′48"N 0°32′51"E)
- SempesserreSempesserreSempesserre is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:...
: All that remains of the castle is a tower, believed to date from the second half of the 16th or first half of the 17th centuries.
- Termes-d'ArmagnacTermes-d'ArmagnacTermes-d'Armagnac is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-Personalities:*Thibault d'Armagnac, born in the castle in 1405, companion of Joan of Arc, bailiff Chartres of 1432 to 1457, and died in 1457.-References:*...
: See Château de Thibault de TermesChâteau de Thibault de TermesThe Château de Thibault de Termes was a medieval castle in the French town of Termes-d'Armagnac, in the Gers département. The keep is the only vestige....
(43°40′17"N 0°0′46"W)
- TerraubeTerraubeTerraube is a commune in the Gers department in southwestern France.-Population:-References:*...
: See Château de TerraubeChâteau de TerraubeThe Château de Terraube is a 13th century castle in the commune of Terraube in the Gers département of France.This Gascon castle was built around 1272 for the de Galard family, Merovingian dukes of Gascony; a date on the doorway confirms this. The de Galards have owned the castle ever since. It was...
(43°54′18"N 0°33′8"E)
External links
The French Ministry of Culture website has database entries, many with photos, on the following castles in Gers:- Avensac
- Balarin
- Bassoues
- Beaumont
- Berrac
- Bivès
- Cassaigne
- Castelmore
- Castéra-Lectourois
- Castet-Arrouy
- Courrensan
- Epas
- Esclignac
- Garranée
- Gimbrède
- Lagardère
- Larroque-Engalin
- Lasserre
- Lau
- Lavardens
- Leberon
- L'Isle-Bouzon
- Maniban
- Mansencôme
- Mazères
- Mothe
- Mothes
- Pouylebon
- Pouy-Roquelaure
- Pujos
- Pouypardin
- Sainte-Gemme
- Saint-Lary
- Saint-Martin-d'Armagnac
- Savignac
- Sempesserre
- Sérillac
- Tauzia
Sources
- French Ministry of Culture at www.culture.gouv.fr