Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Fals, located in the commune of the same name in New Aquitaine, has its origins in the 13th century, although some substructions may date back to the 12th century. These medieval remains, still visible in the basements of the right wing, testify to its ancient defensive function. The site was profoundly transformed after its acquisition by Étienne de Bazon in the 18th century, which made it its main residence after 1727, marking a transition to an elegant residential architecture, characteristic of the era.

The seigneury of Fals was for a long time owned by the family of Esparbes, from the marriage of John of Comere with Domengue of Esparbes in the 16th century until the 18th century. The marriage alliances, such as that between Béraud d'Esparbes and Françoise de Comere in 1553, consolidated the transmission of the estate. Silvestre d'Esparbes de Lussan, Baron and councillor at the Toulouse Parliament in 1667, illustrates the political influence of this lineage. The castle remained in this family until it was acquired by the Bazons, who added neo-Renaissance decorative elements, such as a stained glass window with their family's weapons.

Partially classified as historical monuments in 1953, the castle of Fals retains 18th-century facades and roofs, as well as a monumental staircase with right flights and a living room decorated with woodwork. Although still owned by the descendants of Stephen de Bazon, his access remains exceptional. Its park, oriented to the west, overlooks the Gers valley, highlighting its historical landscape integration.

The building thus embodies almost eight centuries of history, from its medieval foundations to its classical transformations, reflecting the architectural and social evolutions of the region. The archives also mention its role in local governance, as evidenced by the office of governor of Auvillar occupied by Silvestre d'Esparbes.

External links