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Origin and history

The Castle of Arras, also called Castet-Naü of Azun, is a medieval building whose construction begins after 1175, as evidenced by its architectural style of the second half of the 13th century. First mentioned in 1260 as a "new castle" (Castet-Nau), it consists of a central dungeon and an enclosure. This first state reflects a passive defensive vocation, typical of the Comtal fortresses of the time.

Passed under the control of the kings of France, the castle was ceded to the English in 1360 by the Treaty of Brétigny, before being taken over in 1404 after a siege led by John II of Bourbon. This period marks a major overhaul of the fortress, adapting its defences to a more active military context. The transition between the 14th and 15th centuries saw the addition of architectural elements still visible today, reflecting its strategic role in Franco-English conflicts.

From 1426 the castle became a private seigneury when Jean de Foix-Grailly donated it to Bernat de Coarraza. The Coarraza family retained the property until 1733, before it passed into the hands of the Palarins, then of the Palaminy in 1757. Disused militarily, the building was transformed into a farm in the late 18th century: the enclosure served as a stable and the square fenil tower. Since 1996, a restoration-reconstruction campaign aims to preserve and enhance the remains.

Architecturally, the castle is distinguished by its circular four-level dungeon, surrounded by a stone-cut enclosure. The ground floor, vaulted and blind, contrasts with the upper floors, illuminated by arches and rectangular bays. The lower parts date back to the 13th century, while the upper levels are the result of later recoveries. Internal circulation, provided by ladders, illustrates its use both defensive and residential.

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