1300’s Abandoned Castle | Owner Was Beheaded By King
Perched on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the Pyrenees Mountains in Southern France stands a magnificent 14th-century castle with a rich and dramatic history.
This medieval fortress, originally constructed in 1303, served as a strategic stronghold for local nobility and witnessed centuries of historical events, including the beheading of its most famous resident – a French Duke accused of conspiring against King Henry IV.
Property Overview
- Property Type: Medieval Castle
- Year Built: 1303, rebuilt in 1888 after a fire
- Key Features:
- Original medieval architecture with Romanesque and Gothic elements
- Strategic hilltop location with panoramic mountain views
- Historic dried-up moat and bridge
- Intricate stone carvings and hand-painted murals
Grand Entrance
The approach to the castle reveals its commanding presence on a sharp rising grassy slope.
The original dried-up moat and historic bridge mark the entrance to the property.
Towering turrets and ramparts, though weathered by time, maintain their imposing presence.
The exterior showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements.
Main Hall
The first grand room showcases the castle’s medieval splendor.
A massive stone fireplace dominates the space, featuring intricate carvings including a Pegasus motif.
Historic paintings adorn the walls, including a depiction of the castle itself.
The room retains its original architectural details despite years of abandonment.
State Room
This impressive chamber features some of the castle’s finest architectural elements.
Another magnificent stone fireplace displays unique carved details and faces.
The painted ceiling remains largely intact, showcasing the castle’s former glory.
Elaborate stone faces and mythological creatures adorn the fireplace surround.
Ballroom
The castle’s most dramatic space features the historic 1897 sculpture.
A remarkable stone sculpture depicts the French Duke who was later beheaded in 1602.
The room features intricate murals and decorative shields along the walls.
Hand-painted dates of 1303 and 1888 commemorate the castle’s original construction and reconstruction.
Library
This refined space once housed the castle’s book collection.
Features include built-in shelving and another ornate fireplace.
Elaborate ceiling murals depict figures holding shields.
Original light fixtures remain mounted above the room.
This extraordinary medieval castle, though now abandoned, stands as a testament to French architectural heritage and craftsmanship. Despite its current state, the property retains much of its original grandeur through its impressive stone work, hand-painted murals, and historical significance. The castle’s dramatic history, including the tragic tale of its beheaded Duke and the devastating fire of 1888, adds to its mystique as one of Southern France’s most intriguing historical properties.
