Renovation or reconstruction Vers 1550 (≈ 1550)
Transformed by Henri I of Albret for Marianne Alespée.
30 mai 1990
Registration historical monument
Registration historical monument 30 mai 1990 (≈ 1990)
First official protection of the castle.
19 septembre 1991
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 19 septembre 1991 (≈ 1991)
Protection extended to the whole field.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Henri Ier d'Albret (Henri II de Navarre) - King of Navarre and sponsor
Aura renovated or rebuilt the castle.
Marianne Alespée - Mistress of Henri d'Albret
Suspected recipient of the castle around 1550.
Origin and history
The castle of Lagrange-Monrepos originated in the Middle Ages, where it served as a fortress controlling the Baisian valley near Nerac. Its strategic location made it a key monitoring point for the region, reflecting the defensive issues of the feudal era. The vestiges of this period, like the murderers preserved in the d'angle towers, still bear witness to this initial military vocation.
During the Renaissance, the castle was profoundly remodeled under the influence of the Navarre court, which was installed in Nerac. Around 1550, it was reportedly renovated or rebuilt by Henry I of Albret (also known as Henry II of Navarre), who offered it to his mistress, Marianne Alespée. This transformation is part of a broader movement to build rich houses for the surrounding Albret, marked by the artistic and political influence of the Renaissance.
The architecture of the castle combines defensive elements — six towers surrounding the house, murderous adapted to firearms — and elegant openings, such as ground-fronted stone crosses. The latter, oriented towards the courtyard and the Bay, illustrate the gradual opening of fortresses towards residential and representative functions. The dependencies, including a dovecote with its original mechanism, complete this remarkable set.
The castle was listed as a historic monument on May 30, 1990, and was classified on September 19, 1991, recognizing its exceptional heritage value. This protection covers not only the house and its towers, but also elements such as the entrance staircase, the fountain, or the enclosure walls, preserving the integrity of the site.
Today, the castle of Lagrange-Monrepos embodies both the medieval heritage and the glory of the Renaissance in Aquitaine. Its history, linked to the Albret dynasty and the Wars of Religion, makes it a valuable testimony to the political and cultural upheavals of that time. Historical sources, such as the works of Philippe Lauzun or Jean Burias, underline its importance in the local heritage.
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