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Origin and history

The castle of Cahuzac, located in the department of Aude in Occitanie, is a square plan building built in the 3rd quarter of the 18th century. It was erected between 1755 and 1776 on the site of an old noble farm, some of which remains today. The castle is distinguished by its classical architecture, with two floors on raised ground floor, an entrance courtyard, and facades adorned with stairs and balusters.

Justin d'Acher, an anobli bourgeois thanks to his role as secretary to King Louis XV, acquired the land of Cahuzac in 1755. He had this castle built to replace the old noble farm, incorporating modern elements like a well of central light, now covered. The interior, typical of the 18th century, is organized in enfilade, with a monumental staircase and rooms distributed symmetrically.

The castle retained most of its original provisions, despite some minor modifications at the end of the 19th century, notably on the baluster staircase of the southern facade. It is surrounded by commons, including a winter garden, and was listed as a historical monument in 1990. Its architecture reflects the social status of its sponsor, combining functionality and prestige.

The east facade, with its central forebody surmounted by a triangular pediment, and the south facade, with its staircase descending to a terrace, illustrate the influence of architectural principles of the Enlightenment century. The openings, mostly rectangular, and the attic band that surround the building reinforce its elegant and harmonious character.

Today, the castle of Cahuzac remains a testimony of 18th century civil architecture in Languedoc. Its inscription in historical monuments in 1990 underscores its heritage importance, both for its history and for its remarkable conservation, despite the minor transformations experienced over the centuries.

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