Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Lormont, also called the castle of the Archbishops or the castle of the Black Prince, finds its origins in the 11th century with William VIII, Duke of Aquitaine, who built there a first fortress around 1060. This strategic site, located on the heights overlooking the Garonne, became an issue during the Hundred Years War. Alienor d-Aquitaine reportedly stayed there in 1137, then the castle passed under English domination after his marriage to Henri Plantagenet. The Black Prince, Edward of Woodstock, resided there around 1360, before the archbishops of Bordeaux became owners in the 14th century. In 1453 it will even house the negotiations at the end of the Hundred Years War.

In the 17th century, the castle was rebuilt by the architect Henri Roche for Cardinal François d'Escoubleau de Sourdis, then for his brother Henri. After partial destruction during the Wars of Religion and the Fronde, it was restored between 1654 and 1662, integrating medieval and classical elements. In 1789 it became national property and was partially demolished in 1781 by order of Cardinal Rohan. In the 19th century, a German owner, Mr. Sacher, gave him his present appearance by adding a neo-Gothic facade with crenellated turrets, while maintaining a classical pavilion.

In the 20th century, the castle, classified as a Historic Monument in 1991, fell into ruins before being bought in 2005 by the developer Norbert Fradin. After extensive work, it will house offices, a gourmet restaurant run successively by Jean-Marie Amat and Vivien Durand, then an antenna of the Cours Florent from 2017. The park, partially destroyed by the construction of the Aquitaine Bridge in 1960, still retains archaeological remains, such as 15th century graffiti and elements of the 17th century gardens.

The castle now consists of two buildings: a turret house and a classical pavilion, surrounded by a enclosure and a ditch. Its eclectic architecture, combining medieval, Renaissance and neo-Gothic styles, reflects its multiple reconstructions. The coat of arms of Cardinal de Sourdis, visible on the facade, recalls his episcopal past. Despite the damage suffered, there remains a major testimony of Aquitaine history, from the Dukes of Aquitaine to the Archbishops of Bordeaux.

Recent excavations and restorations have brought to light ancient elements, such as a medieval chapel in the south wing or a 17th century well, now preserved at the Museum of Friends of Old Lormont. The site, which has been included in a ZPPAUP since 2004, continues to be the subject of development projects, between historical memory and contemporary reuse.

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