Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Faugas Castle, located on a Gallo-Roman site in Gabarnac (Gironde), finds its origins in the 13th century as a fortress. Its oldest parts, still visible today, bear witness to this medieval period. The name of the castle would go back to Romain De Phocas, although the details of this origin remain unclear in the available sources.

In the 16th century, the castle underwent major transformations: restoration of existing buildings, addition of an additional wing, a dungeon and two corner towers. These changes reflect the architectural evolution of the period, from a defensive function to a more residential and agricultural role. The dungeon, still standing, offers an exceptional panorama on the valleys of the right bank of the Garonne.

The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries marked the history of the castle by its illustrious owners. The Duke of Epernon, major figure of the Gironde in the 17th century, then the Marquis of Alon in the following century, left their mark there. Later, the estate passed into the hands of the Beausoleil baron family, before being acquired by the Berckmans family, owner for nearly a century. The latter even gave a mayor to the commune of Gabarnac, highlighting its local anchor.

The wine estate, with an area of 15 hectares (13 ha red, 2 ha white), continues a recognised wine tradition. Noble grape varieties such as merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet Sauvignon and semillon are cultivated there under the name first rib-of-bordeaux. As early as 1874, the Feret guide already praised the quality of Faugas wines, "admirably exposed to the south" and counted among the best in the region.

The architecture of the castle combines a 13th century rectangular house, a low wing and an octagonal staircase tower added in the 16th century, as well as agricultural buildings in U dating from the 18th century. Among the remarkable elements are a dovecote and vestiges of døangle towers, one of which has now disappeared. The site, still active, combines historical heritage and wine production.

External links