First lord mentioned 1363 (≈ 1363)
Written attestation from a lord related to the estate.
XVIe siècle
Construction of the castle
Construction of the castle XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Building of defensive towers and structures.
XVIIe siècle
Renovation of the housing body
Renovation of the housing body XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Major architectural changes.
1795
Pillage and auction
Pillage and auction 1795 (≈ 1795)
Castle qualified as "damaged" and partially demolished.
XIXe siècle
Restoration of the estate
Restoration of the estate XIXe siècle (≈ 1865)
Rehabilitation work after the Revolution.
1989
Historic Monument Protection
Historic Monument Protection 1989 (≈ 1989)
Registration of facades and terraces.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs of all buildings; two chimneys on the first floor of the castle; terrace with balustrade and terrace of the lower plane (Box AB 32, 36, 45, 46): inscription by order of 22 November 1989
Key figures
Information non disponible - No names cited in the sources
Only an anonymous lord (1363) is mentioned.
Origin and history
Thau Castle, located in Gauriac (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), has its origins at least as early as 1363, when a first lord was mentioned. The present building, mainly dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, retains marked defensive features: flanking towers with cannon guns, a ditch now filled, and a courtyard surrounded by low outbuildings. The house body, redesigned in the 17th century, is integrated into a contrasting architectural ensemble, where medieval remains are mixed with classic additions such as pediment cochère doors or circular dovecote.
The French Revolution marked a tragic turning point for the castle: looted in 1795, it was auctioned as "damaged" and partially demolished. In the 19th century, a restoration restored a splendour to the whole, before it deteriorated again in the 20th century. The terraced gardens, organized in degrees and frontons, once descended to the bottom of the promontory, illustrating the aesthetic and functional ambition of the estate. Today, only facades, roofs, two fireplaces on the first floor and terraces have been protected since 1989.
The castle consists of two distinct parts: a fortress with a military appearance and a courtyard with utility buildings, reflecting both its defensive and residential role. Architectural elements, such as oculi, pilasters and balustrades, bear witness to stylistic evolutions between Renaissance and classical times. Private property, its access and current uses (visits, events) remain unspecified in available sources.
