Ariege. This little-known monument, south of Toulouse, would have been nicknamed “the little Versailles”
By Hugues-Olivier Dumez
Published on
Do you know the Lagarde castleabout a hundred kilometers south of Toulouse ? Located in the department ofAriegethis monument would have been nicknamed “the little Versailles”.
A real residential palace
The construction of this ancient fortified castle, now in ruins, had been ordered in the 11the century by King Ramiro I of Aragonuh of Navarre. The building was then the subject of many alterations over the centuries. At the beginning of the fourteenthe century, Francois de Lévis-Mirepoix built a large square-shaped castle. It was at this time that the four monumental towers were built.
To the Renaissance“the defensive stronghold became a prestigious residence, under the authority of Jean V de Lévis, a leading figure with Louis XII and Francis Iuh“, can we read on the site of the Château de Lagarde. “He modified the castle towards the interior of the courtyard, had windows drilled, raised the square towers, built a chapel and a gallery and above all erected the tower of the spiral staircase, a masterpiece of the time “.
In the XVIIe century, Louise de Roquelaure, wife and then widow of Alexandre de Lévis, launched major works intended to further transform the Château de Lagarde. In particular, she launched a French-style garden project, with remarkable trees, ponds, flowerbeds and statues.
The castle plundered during the French Revolution
Under the French Revolutionthe castle will be looted and transformed “into a stone quarry”.
Since 1990, groups of volunteers have been trying to restore the ruined building. Thereby, a free and commented visit is proposed in September and October, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Price: 4 euros adult and 1 euro child). Of the guided tours are also organized all year round by reservation for groups:
Gourmet markets
The summer, of gourmet markets take place every producer on Saturdays in conjunction with locals. On the menu: a gastronomic evening in a majestic setting!
Do you like cycling? The Château de Lagarde is located near a greenway! The latter makes it possible to join Bram we Mirepoix from Lavalanet. The junction is located at the level of the village of Moulin-Neuf.
This greenway allows you to discover very beautiful villages, like Chalabre. The route continues north before heading west to angle the Montbel Lake.
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