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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Old Castle of Bayonne is a medieval fortress built at the site of an ancient Roman castrum of the 2nd century, named Lapurdum, which housed garrison and local administration. This strategic site was reinvested from the 11th century by the Viscounts of Labourd, who built a fortress there by strengthening three existing Roman towers. The building took the name of Château-Vieux at the end of the 15th century, after the building of the Château-Neuf in the Petit-Bayonne district.

In the 17th century, under the direction of Vauban, the castle became a key element of Bayonne fortifications. The dungeon was destroyed to give way to a fortified forecourt, integrated into the modern defensive system. Despite subsequent changes in the ramparts, the Old Castle retained its original structure and escaped major changes. It was declared a historic monument in 1931 and today remains the seat of the local military authorities, housing the 1st Parachutist Regiment of Marine Infantry (1st RPIMA).

The successive modifications reflect his evolution: in 1619 Antoine de Gramont, governor of Bayonne, strengthened the castle on the city side with a quadrilateral work. A barbacan, transformed into a bastion in 1680, was provided with a guard corps between 1681 and 1683. The gate of Tarride (or Lachepaillet), dating from 1450, also bears witness to its medieval history. Owned by the Army, the site combines Roman, medieval and classical heritage, illustrating nearly two millennia of defensive strategy.

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