Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Pennautier was built in 1620 by Bernard de Reich de Pennautier, treasurer of the Languedoc States, at the end of the Wars of Religion. This monument, nicknamed the Versailles du Languedoc, welcomes in 1622 King Louis XIII, who offers the castle his travel furniture (bed with baldaquin, armchairs and tapestries), still preserved in the King's room. This furniture, classified as a historical monument, bears witness to the royal favor.

In the 17th century, Pierre Louis Reich de Pennautier, son of Bernard and treasurer of the states of Languedoc, enlarged the castle and designed a French-style park inspired by his stay in Versailles. Close to Louis XIV, he supported Molière, who gave representations, and developed local economic activities, such as the royal linen factory (2000 workers) and wine production, served at the king's table in 1701. The castle becomes a place of cultural and economic influence.

In the 18th century, the family of Beynaguet de Pennautier inherited the estate and bembellit. Jacques de Beynaguet, artillery officer, enriched the collections with objects reported from his trips to India and South Africa. Between 1835 and 1850, his son Rodolphe transformed the castle by filling the central courtyard and redrawing the English park, while modernizing the interiors with Italian mosaics. The domain remains a symbol of innovation and prestige.

In the 20th century, the family of Lorgeril, inherited by marriage in 1910, undertook major renovations, including the removal of a wing damaged by a fire. In 1944, Christian de Lorgeril, owner, was tortured and murdered for his monarchist ideas, marking a dark period in the history of the castle. In 2010, a complete renovation was launched, and the archives (15 linear metres) were entrusted to the departmental archives of Aude. Today, the castle, classified as a Historic Monument in 1972 and 1989, hosts events and houses the Lorgeril vineyards.

The architecture of the castle, combining Louis XIII and classic styles, is distinguished by its two courtyards (north and south) and its facade of 100 meters. The park, originally designed by Le Nôtre on 30 hectares, evolved into an English style in the 19th century. The orangery, the ballroom and the King's bedroom recall its past prestige, while the panelling, parquet floors and interior decorations testify to its rich and turbulent history.

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