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Origin and history

The Château de Montpellier-sur-Adour was built in the first half of the 18th century for the Roll-Montpellier family, a rich line of Bayon merchants who had joined the Echevinat in 1725. The building, representative of the pleasure houses of the local bourgeoisie, is distinguished by its regular rectangular plan, its two side pavilions and its ordered elevation over seven spans. The paved terrace and hold opening onto the Adour highlight its integration into the river landscape, while the wrought iron staircase of the vestibule bears witness to the artisanal know-how of the time.

In 1744, the castle hosted a celebration celebrating the king's convalescence, illustrating his role in regional world life. In the 19th century, the ensemble was completed by commons, while its name evolved in Port-François from the 1970s. The facades, roofs, stairs and terrace were protected by decree in 1991, recognizing their heritage value. The sober architecture, marked by curved frontons and segmentary arched bays, reflects the classical influence adapted to the trading elites of Bas-Adour.

The Roll-Montpellier family, active in the Bayon trade, made a lasting mark on local history: several of its members held municipal office in Bayonne throughout the 18th century. The castle, conceived as a place of representation, thus embodies the social ascension of this negotiating bourgeoisie, while offering a preserved example of secondary residences erected along the Adour during the modern era.

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