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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Géry, located in Rabastens in the Tarn, is mentioned for the first time in 1229. In 1349, it was confiscated by Philippe VI de Valois and given to Antoine de Baulat, who began the construction of the parts still visible today. A stone with the weapons of the lords of Rabastens remains as a vestige of the original building. The castle, initially feudal, was transformed in the 17th century into a Louis XIII style residence, losing its defensive appearance for more elegant facades.

In the 18th century, the estate was sold to Jean-Jacques de Rey, whose son Clément undertook major works: classical facade in the courtyard, filling the moat and widening the terrace. Clement de Rey, guillotine in 1794, saw his property returned to his family, sparing the castle from revolutionary looting. Only three families succeeded each other as owners over six centuries, a remarkable rarity.

The castle consists of three bodies of house in square around a courtyard, with a forecourt framed by ancillary buildings. The 14th century tower, crowned with mâchicoulis, and the painted chapel bear witness to its medieval origin. The west facade, overlooking the Tarn, features a 17th century stylistic unit. A rich collection of furniture reflects successive eras.

The castle welcomed personalities like Richelieu in 1629, who slept there in a room bearing from his name, or Queen Elizabeth II. Part of the estate is open to the public in summer. The 18th century chapel, decorated with paintings, and the interior decorations (dining room, alcove room) have been classified as historical monuments since 1970.

The building thus combines medieval defensive elements (tour, mâchicoulis) with 17th and 18th century developments, illustrating its architectural evolution and its role in local history. The present owners descend from the Rey family, ensuring remarkable continuity since the 18th century.

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