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Origin and history

The castle of Lastouzeilles, located in Palleville in the Tarn, has its origins at least in antiquity, as evidenced by the Roman remains discovered on the spot. The name "Tuzeilles", evoking "old towers", suggests the existence of an anterior castle, perhaps used as a refuge by the cathars during the crusade of the Albigeois. According to the current owner, the present dungeon, today abrased at 15 meters (compared to 30 meters originally), would date from that time and would have been modified under Richelieu.

The present building is mentioned for the first time at the end of the 15th century. During the Wars of Religion, he passed in 1587 under Protestant control after a siege led by the Viscount of Turenne, Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne. The Huguenots then used as a bastion against the Catholic troops of Duke Anne de Joyeuse, leaving a visible trace: an impact of a ball on the west facade. An inscription "despite me", engraved in a lintel, recalls the forced conversion of a Protestant lord after the revocation of the edict of Nantes.

The castle was acquired in 1806 by Jean-Louis de Gouttes, captain of leatherwork and knight of the Legion of Honour, and has since been passed on to his descendants. In the 19th century, foothills were added to stabilize the walls, built without foundations. The estate preserves defensive elements (douves, oblivions) and a 19th century bath pavilion. Partly listed as historical monuments in 1999, it opens its doors in summer, offering a free tour of the park and classified parts.

Architecturally, the castle consists of a long body of stone brick houses, flanked by two square towers and an old dungeon. The Renaissance-style southern facade has three floors with sill windows. The site, close to the Mouline Creek, was strategically located on the border between Albige and Lauragais, an area of tension during the religious wars.

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