CADILLAC CASTLE
The castle of Cadillac is equipped with magnificent monumental marble fireplaces, richly decorated
The history of Château de Cadillac is linked to that of Jean-Louis de Nogaret de la Valette, the first Duc d'Epernon and an ambitious character who was first a protégé at the court of Henri III, then a high-profile figure under Henri IV and Louis XIII. Henri III made him duke and arranged his marriage to Marguerite de Foix-Candale, daughter of the lord of Cadillac and sole heiress to a wealthy family. At Henri IV's instigation, he had the ancient medieval château des Foix razed to the ground, to be replaced by a sumptuous residence whose luxury was to rival that of the royal residences. The foundation stone was laid in 1599, and work continued for 30 years. Damaged during the Revolution, the château, acquired by the French state, was transformed into a women's prison for 130 years, until the end of the 19th century, and then into a reformatory for young girls until the middle of the 20th century. The château's interior has been restored to its original décor, fully reflecting its dual heritage. A tour of the interior features panelled ceilings, several tapestries and, above all, magnificent, richly decorated monumental marble fireplaces. This is one of the earliest examples of French-style architecture. Numerous cultural events (exhibitions, discovery tours, family activities, live shows, events...) are organized throughout the year. For children during the school vacations, there are storytelling and dramatized tours, excavation workshops (Fouille Farfouille), etc.
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The first floor is moving know that it was a terrible prison for women with 19th c Enfin, in the basement the echoes, surprise guaranteed.