Castles in the Hautes Pyrénées

Imagine a castle built almost a thousand years ago, gradually enlarged before suffering the ravages of time. Overlooking the Arros valley and the hillsides of Bigorre, Mauvezin castle, restored by the Gaston Fébus School Association, is a listed historic monument. Climb up to the crenellated keep for a breathtaking panoramic view. The guided tour in period costume takes you back to a medieval past, filled with tales of chivalry and court intrigue. Stroll through the lord’s rooms, explore the dark dungeons, and discover exhibitions on archaeology, the weapons room and the life of Gaston Fébus.

On summer Sundays, the music of the troubadours and the acrobatics of the jugglers enliven the visit, making the experience even more immersive.

Open all year round.

Go back in time to 1374! Perched between Béarn and Bigorre, the Château de Montaner stands like a majestic witness to Gaston Fébus’ dream. Built of pink brick, the listed fortress catches the glare of the south-western sun. A visit to the imposing 40-metre keep immerses you in history, with each spiral staircase leading to surprising discoveries: weapon rooms, medieval benches and spectacular views of the Pyrenees mountain range. For the full experience, enjoy a guided tour that reveals the hectic life of this former stately home and the great courts of Europe.

In July, the Médiévales de Montaner offer two days of grandiose shows: chivalry, jousting, birds of prey and fire-eaters transport young and old in a festive and magical atmosphere.

Open from April to October.

Proudly overlooking the town, the Lourdes fortress, a veritable stone vessel listed as a Historic Monument, takes you on a journey through the Pyrenees. With over 1,000 years of history behind it, since 1921 it has been home to the Musée Pyrénéen, which has been awarded the Musée de France label. This museum houses the most important collections on daily life in the Pyrenees, in France and Spain, from the 18th to the early 20th century. Outside, stroll through the botanical garden, perfumed with a thousand scents, and let your gaze wander towards the horizon from the panoramic terrace.

You can also explore the château’s chapel, with its Baroque furnishings, and its collection of decorative arts, including 18th-century Samadet earthenware. The Pendariès donation in 1994 enriched the museum with remarkable paintings and drawings. An outdoor trail leads you to models of traditional Pyrenean housing and the reconstruction of a Pyrenean cemetery.

Open all year round.

Discover Château de Gardères, an architectural gem nestling in a verdant enclave in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Immerse yourself in the history of this residence, carefully restored to reflect the authenticity of the 18th century. The richly decorated interior of the château will transport you back to the elegance of the period. Stroll through the formal gardens with their finely trimmed boxwood, explore the lively farmyard and the kitchen garden where forgotten vegetables grow. Admire the meadow with its remarkable collection of trees.

Partly accessible to people with reduced mobility, the château is open to you thanks to a team of enthusiasts who work to preserve and share this local heritage listed as a Historic Monument.

Open from April to September.
For Christmas from 26 to 30 December 2024.

In the heart of the Barousse, the medieval village of Bramevaque invites you to discover the ruins of its castle. Climb the stone steps of the square keep and admire the vast panorama over the valley. The remains of the Château des Comtes de Comminges (11th and 13th centuries), listed as a Historic Monument, plunge you into the atmosphere of bygone days, surrounded by forest and wilderness.

The legend of the ogress Marguerite adds a touch of mystery: known for her insatiable appetite, she is said to have demanded children at every meal. One day, the cook, running out of children to satisfy his mistress, killed a calf, causing the cow to cry (in local dialect, “brame vaque”). Filled with remorse, Countess Marguerite abandoned her macabre ways, leaving behind a story engraved in stone.