Start of work 1904 (≈ 1904)
Transformation by Germain Olivier for Henriette Mignard.
1962
Sale of the domain
Sale of the domain 1962 (≈ 1962)
Purchased by André Marie for medical use.
1964
Opening of the aftercare
Opening of the aftercare 1964 (≈ 1964)
First psychiatric institution in France.
30 octobre 2019
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 30 octobre 2019 (≈ 2019)
Protection of the castle and its park.
1er quart du XXe siècle
Construction of the castle
Construction of the castle 1er quart du XXe siècle (≈ 2025)
Eclectic style with exhedral towers and wings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The castle of Longues-Aygues and its park, in whole, excluding contemporary sports extensions and facilities, sis 1155 route de Vaïssac, as delimited in red on the plan annexed to the decree (cad. ZL 30, 178, 179): inscription by order of 30 October 2019
Key figures
Henriette Mignard (1867–1948) - Commander of the castle
Vaïsse-Cibiel widow, heiress of the estate.
Germain Olivier - Architect
Designs the castle, one of its first works.
André Marie - Acquirer in 1962
Founded psychiatric aftercare in 1964.
Origin and history
The castle of Longues-Aygues, located in Nègrepelisse (Tarn-et-Garonne), is built in the 1st quarter of the 20th century under the direction of architect Germain Olivier, then just graduated. It replaces an old master house belonging to the Vaïsse-Cibiel family. The initial project provided for minimal transformation, but the final choice was an almost complete reconstruction, with a three-level central body framed with two square towers and two exhedral wings. The facades play on the polychromy of materials: brick for chains, varnished terracotta for tiles and balusters, and sgraffites on towers. Inside, the original distribution was generally preserved, except on the southern ground floor, which was restricted for medical use after 1962.
The castle was commanded by Henriette Mignard (1867–1948), the widow of Joseph Vaïsse-Cibiel, who inherited the family estate of several hundred hectares. Work began in 1904, marking one of Germain Olivier's first achievements. The park, initially more extensive (beyond the current 6 hectares), has a classic composition with common species, suggesting the intervention of a local landscaper. A tennis court, present from the beginning, is now next to a swimming pool and a gym, added later. The estate also includes a boulodrome.
In 1962, the castle was sold to André Marie, who founded in 1964 the first psychiatric aftercare facility in France. The building underwent expansions between 1967–68 and an extension in 1997 connected by an underground gallery. Despite these modifications, the castle and its park (excluding contemporary developments) are listed in the Historic Monuments by order of 30 October 2019, recognizing their heritage value. Interior decorations, period furniture and old photographs attest to the partial preservation of its original state.
