Lagrange-Monrepos Castle

Dominating the valley of the Baïse, Lagrange-Monrepos Castle was originally a medieval castle in the commune of Nérac in the Lot-et-Garonne département of France. While the castle is not open to the public today, the castle remains a symbol of medieval French royal power and wealth.

Lagrange-Monrepos Castle history

During the Renaissance, the installation of the court of Navarre in Nérac led to the construction or renovation of lavish homes for the Albret family. Therefore, around 1550 the Château de Lagrange-Monrepos was built over the remains of a building from the Middle Ages by Henry I of Albret (Henry II of Navarre).

According to tradition, Henry offered Lagrange-Monrepos to his mistress Marianne Alespée. The castle remained in the Alespée family until the early 17th century.

The military function of Lagrange-Monrepos Castle is characterised by the 6 towers rising around the house. The loopholes in the corner towers of the courtyard were kept for using firearms during the French Wars of Religion. Large crosses in stone with moulded frames open onto the courtyard and towards the Baïse.

Lagrange-Monrepos Castle today

Today, the château is privately owned and unfortunately not open to the public while work is done to restore the former grand castle. However, if passing by you can still catch a look at the imposing French castle’s rectangular main building flanked by massive square towers.

Lagrange-Monrepos Castle has been listed since 1990 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture and classified since 1991. The castle, the entrance staircase, its round tower and the fountain are classified as well as the outbuildings, the towers and the walls, as well as the dovecote.

Getting to Lagrange-Monrepos Castle

Lagrange-Monrepos is situated just off the D930 road between Lavardac and Nérac, and is an hour and a half drive along the A62 from Toulouse where there is an airport.