Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Lafox Castle, mentioned as early as 1239 in a charter, was originally built around 1230 to control the ford of the Seoun at its confluence with the Garonne. This strategic position served as a grant on the road from Languedoc to Aquitaine. Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, donated it to Sicard Alaman in 1236 for services rendered during the Albige crusade. The dungeon, the oldest vestige, bears witness to this medieval period when the castle played a key role in collecting tolls and defending the territory.

In the 13th century, the castle changed hands several times, notably after the death of Sicard Alaman around 1276, where family conflicts broke out between his son, his widow Beatrix de Médlon, and his sister Cecile. In 1280 Bertrand de Lautrec took possession of it and authorized Cécile Alaman and her husband to build a new castle nearby. The original tower, dated the 12th century, was then located at the confluence of the rivers and was used to protect a toll station. She was later moved, now 500 metres from the Garonne.

During the Hundred Years' War, Lafox Castle was a strategic issue taken and taken over by the English and the French royal forces. In 1326, the English seized it before the Count of Valois returned it to Béatrix de Lautrec, on condition that he would surrender it to the king upon request. The conflicts continued, with successive captures by the English and recaptures by French troops, such as that led by the Sénéchal of Toulouse in 1326. These events illustrate the military importance of the site during this troubled period.

In the 15th century, the castle grew again under the Bérard family, notably Pierre de Bérard, treasurer of France, who became its owner in 1463. After family disputes, it was sold in 1477 to Arnaud de Durfort, the chamberlain of Louis XI. The Durforts undertook major expansion and beautification work, transforming the medieval castle into a residence more in keeping with Renaissance tastes. François de Durfort, then his brother Stephen, marked this period by major developments, including the construction of a chapel.

The sixteenth century was marked by the wars of Religion, where the castle served as a refuge for the Catholic nobility of the Agenas. François de Durfort, Seneschal d'Agenais, organized meetings and welcomed royal personalities, such as Charles IX in 1564, or Catherine de Medici and Marguerite de Valois in 1578 and 1579. These visits underline the political and social role of the castle at that time. However, religious conflicts and looting, notably by the Leagues in 1589, seriously damaged the building.

After the disturbances, the castle was restored in the early seventeenth century, notably by Hector Regnaut de Durfort. More recently, restoration works conducted by Didier de Flaujac have preserved this heritage, which was declared a historic monument in 1951. Today, Lafox Castle bears witness to nearly nine centuries of history, mixing medieval architecture, Renaissance and significant events in the history of France.

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