Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Coarraze, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, finds its origins in the 12th century with the mention of its seigneury. At the end of the 15th century, it became the property of Gaston de Foix, Count of Carmaing, whose abuses caused his destruction in 1508 by Jean d'Albret, Viscount of Béarn. The latter razed the castle after a revolt, marking a turning point in its tumultuous history. The estate was then rebuilt in 1515 by Raymond de Coarraze, Gaston's cousin, after having passed into his hands.

In the 16th century, the castle welcomed Henri de Navarre (future Henri IV), raised by his governess Suzanne de Bourbon-Busset, Baroness of Coarraze and Miossens. This place thus becomes a symbol of his Bearnaise childhood. In 1569, during the Wars of Religion, the Count of Montgomery crossed Coarraze with his army, burning the local churches during his campaign to liberate Bernard d'Arros. An accidental fire ravaged the castle again in 1684, requiring a major reconstruction around 1755, giving it its present appearance.

The architecture of the castle combines medieval elements, such as the 14th century pentagonal dungeon, with Renaissance and classical additions. The park, organized in terraces, includes vaulted stables and commons, while inside, a living room decorated with 18th century Chinese wallpaper shows the refinement of the era. The estate, classified as Historic Monument in 2011, also retains the motto ‘Lo que ha de ser no puede faltar' (‘What must happen cannot fail'), engraved on its portal, reflecting its cultural and political heritage.

In the 18th century, the castle was rebuilt after the fire of 1684, adopting a more sober style with a central forebody and a prominent cornice. The vaulted basements, visible on the north side, support three levels, while a monumental staircase serves the floors. The park, structured in successive terraces, integrates outbuildings such as stables and communes, organized around an entrance gate. This aristocratic framework contrasts with past disturbances, illustrating the resilience of the Belarusian nobility.

The castle is also linked to local traditions, such as the donkey race in the 18th century, a humiliating custom imposed on Raymond Blasy for his conjugal submission, reflecting the social customs of the time. In the 19th century, Coarraze turned to the furniture industry, thanks to its forest resources, before seeing this sector decline in the 20th century. Today, the Gabriel-Haure-Placé vocational school perpetuates this artisanal heritage, while the castle, open to the visit, remains a major testimony of the Bear heritage.

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