Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Lascours, located in Laudun-l'Ardoise in the Gard, is an ancient castle whose origins date back to the twelfth century. He underwent several major transformations, notably between 1572 and 1590 for the marshal of Joyeuse, who gave him his current structure in U with terraces, boulevards and bastions, a rarity in Languedoc. The exteriors, however, were modified in the 18th century, losing some of their initial defensive character, while the interiors retained remarkable elements such as gypsum and monumental chimneys.

The castle has been listed and listed as a historical monument and has protected specific architectural elements since 1980 (gateway, General State Hall, chimneys, etc.) and in its entirety since 2008, including terraces, moat and bridge. Its history reflects stylistic evolutions, from a medieval fortress to an aristocratic residence, then to a cultural place with the creation of the Academy of Lascours in 1988 by Jacqueline Gurnari, dedicated to intellectual and artistic activities.

The Académie de Lascours, located in the castle, is distinguished by its publications (Cahiers, acts) and its eminent members, such as director Jean-Paul Fargier or pedologist Christian Feller. Her emblem, the Lady of Rose, pays tribute to a former owner, and her motto, "Sapientiae rosa Rhodoni dumeto", evokes a symbolic link with the region. The public and private sessions are accelerating his institutional life, although some critics, such as Alain Adventurer's in 2019, have highlighted tensions with other regional academies.

Architecturally, the castle illustrates the transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with vestiges of the 12th century (towers, vaulted volumes) and Renaissance additions such as the ground floor gallery or the large ramp staircase. The modifications of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as curved berries or rock partitions, testify to an adaptation to classical tastes. Today, the site combines historical heritage and cultural dynamism, open to visits and events.

The castle should not be confused with its homonym of Boisset-et-Gaujac, also located in the Gard. Its precise location, 797 Route de Lascours, and its Insee code (30141) anchor it in the historical landscape of Occitanie, between Nîmes and the Cevennes. The protections for historic monuments cover both interior elements (gypseries, chimneys) and exterior structures (doves, bridge), highlighting its multidimensional heritage value.

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