Construction of the castle 1775-1780 (≈ 1778)
Return of Jean-Baptiste de Bitaubé of Spain.
1875
End of family property
End of family property 1875 (≈ 1875)
Descendants yield the castle.
9 juillet 1998
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 9 juillet 1998 (≈ 1998)
Protection of facades, roofs and gardens.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Façades and roofs of the castle and its outbuildings as well as the exterior spaces, i.e. the terraces, the west and east leisure gardens with fence walls and hedges as well as the access stairs (cad. C 473, 30): registration by order of 9 July 1998
Key figures
Jean-Baptiste de Bitaubé - Sponsor and owner
Have the castle built after 1775.
Origin and history
The castle of Bitaubé derives its name from a Bearnaise family from Gan, of which Jean-Baptiste, who went to make a fortune in Spain, returned in 1775 to settle in his native region. The construction of the castle, completed between 1775 and 1780, reflects its financial success. This building, sober in appearance but neat in its decorative details, dominates the town of Rebenacq from a natural shoulder.
The building consists of a house body framed by pavilions, spread over four levels: basement, ground floor, first floor and attic. The most remarkable interior decorations, preserved on the ground floor, include panelling, stucco, fireplaces and a fountain in living and dining rooms. The upper floors and other rooms feature mainly adorned chimneys and a notable staircase ramp.
Outside, two former stables border the west facade, delimiting a courtyard leading to a closed garden, accessible by a staircase adorned with a vault key of indefinite origin. The facade is extended by a terrace overlooking a second garden, probably later built. The estate, including facades, roofs, terraces and gardens, was listed as a Historic Monument in 1998.
Owned by the descendants of Jean-Baptiste de Bitaubé until 1875, the castle illustrates the easy residential architecture of Béarn at the end of the 18th century, combining external simplicity and interior refinement. Its strategic location and family history are a significant testimony to the local heritage.
