Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Virazeil rises on a hill overlooking the valley of the Trec and the departmental road 933, on the territory of the same name municipality. Its strategic location offers an unobstructed view of the surroundings, typical of the seigneurial buildings of medieval and modern times. The site thus combines defensive and aesthetic assets, with a lower yard and commons organized around a central house.

The seigneury of Virazeil belonged first to the Caumont family, before passing to the Pellegrue in the 15th century. In the 16th century they built the primitive house, marked by flamboyant Gothic elements such as accolades and carved columns. The chapel and stair tower, still visible, date from this period. The estate then changed hands several times: Françoise de Coulonges, widow of Baron Guillaume Le Comte, inherited it in 1567, before he passed to the Belrieu by marriage.

In the 18th century, the castle took on its present appearance thanks to Jacques Daugeard, the mortar president of the Bordeaux Parliament. Between 1770 and 1774 he had the house rebuilt in a sober style, attributed to architect Étienne Laclotte, author of the Daugeard mansion in Bordeaux. The castle, without superfluous ornaments, illustrates the "field" architecture popular with the Bordeaux aristocracy, combining functionality and discreet elegance.

The estate had several owners in the 19th century, including the family of D'Auber, Marquis de Peyrelongue, who added orangery after 1823. In 1940, Colonel André d'Auber sold the castle, leading to the dispersion of his furniture and library. Purchased in 1962 by the Ligue pour l'adaptation des dégréés physiques (LADAPT), the site was transformed into a vocational rehabilitation centre for disabled people, with interior fittings and two auxiliary buildings.

Ranked a historic monument in 1964 for its facades, roofs, and interior elements (honour staircase, chapel and 16th century tower), the castle now houses a Centre for Vocational Rehabilitation (CRP). Managed by LADAPT, it offers certifying training in the administrative and accounting sectors, accessible to workers with disabilities. This historic place combines historical preservation and contemporary social mission.

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