FLAMARENS CASTLE

This impressive château is representative of the Gascon style: massive, imposing, even austere. It was built in the ^13th century as a dowry for the niece of Pope Clement V. It was first used as a fortress during the Hundred Years' War, before passing into the hands of Jean de Grossoles in 1466. He gave it the appearance of a real castle, adding a keep (which today houses the spiral staircase) and a main building. In 1535, Barnard de Grossoles had a 12-meter tower built on top of the two rooms of the original structure. However, the château really came into its own in the ^17th and ^18th centuries. It then became a residence for pleasure, with little or no defensive function. Sumptuous decorations were designed, with gypsum ceilings, marble columns, painted coffers... In 1878, the line of 15 lord-marquises of Grossoles came to an end with the death of Jules Alexandre, who left no heirs. The château was bought 4 years later by the Galard-Magnas family, who occupied it until the mid-1920s. However, they were forced to abandon it due to the poor condition of the roofs. Unable to afford repairs, the de Galard family tried to sell the building, but failed. In 1963, it was bought by a Parisian dentist, who had the entire building listed as a historic monument. He began conservation work, before the current owner took over in 1983 and undertook regular restoration work.