Construction of the castle 1697 (≈ 1697)
By François de Pelegrin on an old building.
1709
Construction of the chapel
Construction of the chapel 1709 (≈ 1709)
First version before reconstruction in 1733.
1733
Reconstruction of the chapel
Reconstruction of the chapel 1733 (≈ 1733)
Major modification of the religious building.
1789-1799
Pillows during the Revolution
Pillows during the Revolution 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
Loss of original furniture and decor.
1872-1873
Park and interior development
Park and interior development 1872-1873 (≈ 1873)
Modernisation for bourgeois comfort.
1er août 1974
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1er août 1974 (≈ 1974)
Protection of facades, roofs and interior elements.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs, including the entrance gate; the inside staircase with its wrought iron ramp; the following rooms with their decor: chapel, large and small living room, large dining room; billiard room chimneys and blue, yellow and red rooms (cad. AR 33): classification by order of 1 August 1974; Façades and roofs of the communes as well as the two dovecotes (Case AR 33): inscription by decree of 1 August 1974
Key figures
François de Pelegrin - Governor of Samatan and sponsor
Founded the castle in 1697.
Jean-Pierre Bertin - Lockmaster
Author of the wrought iron ramp.
Origin and history
Latour Castle in Samatan was built in 1697 by François de Pelegrin, then governor of the city, on the foundations of an earlier building. This castle, of classic style, is organized around a courtyard of honour framed by two wings in return and two towers containing the north facade. Its architecture reflects the codes of the era, with marked symmetry and residual defensive elements, such as the corner towers.
The chapel, added in 1709, was completely rebuilt in 1733, illustrating the evolution of the spiritual and aesthetic needs of its owners. During the French Revolution, the castle was systematically looted, losing some of its original furniture and decorations. In 1872-1873, major changes took place with the development of the park and interiors to adapt them to 19th-century comfort standards.
The building is distinguished by its elements protected under the Historical Monuments since 1974, including facades, roofs, the entrance gate, a wrought iron staircase signed by the master locksmith Jean-Pierre Bertin, as well as several remarkable rooms (chapelle, living rooms, dining room). The communes and two dovecotes, typical of the rural estates of the period, complete this architectural ensemble.
The court of honour, closed by a low building pierced by a central gate, underlines the symbolic importance of reception and social representation. The Château de Latour thus embodies the legacy of the provincial elites under the Old Regime, between local power, religion and adaptation to historical upheavals.
