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Origin and history

Ruat Castle, located in the Teich in Gironde, finds its origins in the 15th century as an element of the defensive system of the Arcachon Basin, between the castles of La Teste and of Avenir. Originally called "Techys", he was transferred in 1300 to Rufat 1st d'Artiguemal, vassal of the captals of Buch, who gave him his current name. The estate, transmitted by alliance to the Casteja in 1425, was redesigned to separate the defense from the mouth of the Eyre, while remaining under the suzerainety of the captives, whose property was temporarily confiscated after the Battle of Castillon (1453).

In the 17th century, the castle passed to Jean Castaing, then to the Amanieu de Ruat family, which played a key role in the fight against the silty of the Landes and forest management. In 1654, Peter II Amanieu de Ruat, annoyed for his services during the Fronde, was murdered in 1675. The estate remained in the family until the Revolution, despite territorial conflicts with the lords of True and partial destruction. Jean-Baptiste Amanieu de Ruat, last captive, was buried there in 1739.

In the 19th century, the castle was acquired in 1846 by Adrien Festugière, master of forges, who replaced it in its present style. His daughter Mary, wife of General Charles Espinasse – minister of Napoleon III – welcomed Empress Eugénie and the imperial prince. Espinasse had Lamothe station built to facilitate imperial visits and contributed to the sowing of the Landes. The estate, still privately owned (Villien de Gabiole family since the 2000s), has been partially classified as a Historic Monument since 1970.

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