Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Mascaraàs Castle was built in the early 16th century, when a first mansion and a lay abbey were built by Ainaut de Guilhemet, lord of Mascaraàs. These buildings probably replace an ancient feudal castle. During the 16th century, the estate became a hunting relay for Jeanne d'Albret, Queen of Navarre and mother of Henry IV. At the end of this century, the property moved to the Batz-Diusse family, which undertook major expansions.

In the 17th century, the Batz-Diusse family expanded the castle for the first time, then a second in the 18th century, notably with the addition of the present south facade. The estate, which extends over 25 hectares, preserves architectural elements from the 16th and 18th centuries, such as the medieval north facade and the classical south facade. In the 19th century, the Pazat family, a new owner, turned the old aviary into a garden pavilion, marked by the date of 1886.

The castle houses a rich library, marble fireplaces from Arudy, and painted decorations, including a room inspired by the aviary of the Marquise de Pompadour. He also owned a historical bracero linked to the marriage of Louis XIV and Marie-Thérèse of Austria in 1660. Since 1989, Eric Derluyn has owned it. The winery, still wine-growing, produces wines in AOC Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh and Madiran.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1997, the castle opens its doors on European Heritage Days. Its park, its Italian and French gardens, as well as its outbuildings, testify to its evolution throughout the centuries, mixing medieval, classical and wine heritage.

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