Gaussan Castle - History and Facts | History Hit

Gaussan Castle

Bizanet, Occitanie, France

The Château de Gaussan is a castle, much altered in the 19th century, in the commune of Bizanet in the Aude département of France.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons / ArnoLagrange

About Gaussan Castle

Gaussan Castle or Château de Gaussan is a castle in the municipality of Bizanet. It is an attraction for holidaymakers staying in the region.

History of Gaussan Castle

The castle originally dates from the 14th century, and was much altered in the 19th century. It is particularly noted for the east and south façades and their corresponding roofs, the staircase, the interior décor of the library, and the great hall of the corps de logis (the principal block of the castle), as well as the 19th century chapel and 14th century lower hall.

Gaussan Castle Today

The Château de Gaussan is privately owned. It has been listed since 1986 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture. It’s worth visiting as part of a day trip from nearby Narbonne, which was once the capital of the first Roman colony in Gaul and later a capital of the Visigoth kingdom. Today, the cathedral, canal, and beautiful buildings with interesting architectural features make Narbonne well worth a visit.

Other sights in the area include the stunning Fontfroide Abbey, which is 5km south-east, and dates to the 12th century. It was involved with the crusades, supporting a crusade against Cathars in the region.

Getting to Gaussan Castle

From Narbonne, Gaussan is a 2 hour, 45 minute drive via the A61 and A64 roads. From Toulouse, it’s an hour and a half via the N124 and D632 roads. From Bordeaux, it’s the same amount of time via the A65 and A64 roads.

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Occitanie Castles

Discover the best castles in the historic region of Occitanie, from Château de Foix to Château Royal de Collioure and more.