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Origin and history

The castle of Vayres, located in the eponymous commune of Gironde, is a medieval fortress rebuilt in the 16th and 18th centuries. Dominating the Dordogne on a strategic axis towards the centre of France, he played a key role in the defence of Bordeaux. Excavations revealed traces of Gallo-Roman occupation, including pottery ovens, attesting to an ancient human presence. A first wooden castle, replaced by a stone structure from the 11th century, marks the beginning of its military history.

From the 13th century onwards, the castle belongs to the family of Albret for nearly 300 years, after Amanieu VII d'Albret fortified it with the Tower of the Mill. During the Hundred Years War, he changed hands several times between French and English supporters, suffering significant damage. Bérard I of Vayres, allied with England, built a vast fortress in the 14th century, of which today the dungeon, the entrance chestnut and the dry moat remain. The castle even passed briefly to César Borgia in 1499, before being returned to Henri d'Albret, grandfather of Henry IV.

In the 16th century, Henri de Navarre (future Henri IV), ruined, sold the castle in 1583 to Ogier de Gourgue, a wealthy Bordeaux magistrate. The latter undertook a major transformation into a castle of pleasure, entrusting perhaps the plans to architect Louis de Foix, known for his mannerist style. The facade on a court of honour, of exceptional refinement, dates from this time. Ogier's son, Marc-Antoine de Gourgue, the first president of the Bordeaux parliament, perpetuates the family's influence on the estate.

The 17th century was marked by fighting linked to the parliamentary Fronde, seriously damaging the castle. Around 1700, Jacques-Joseph de Gourgue, bishop of Bazas, restored it by harmonising the bodies of buildings, adding a monumental staircase and an imperial roof. The medieval drawbridge is replaced by a dormant bridge and a portico inspired by Vauban. No major changes have taken place since this period.

In the 20th century, the castle changed several times from Gourgue to bourgeois families (Pavillon, Dubos, Barde), before being acquired in 1996 by Gilles Etrillard, banker and president of the LFPI group. Ranked historic monument in 2001 for its facades and roofs, and in 2002 for its gardens, it remains a private inhabited property. Recent work includes restoration of salons and creation of a library.

The gardens, initially large and parallel to the Dordogne, were recreated in 1938 by landscape architect Louis-Ferdinand Duprat in a regular French style. Labeled remarkable garden, they complete the guided tours offered all year round, accompanied by educational activities and costumed events. The estate thus combines architectural heritage and preserved natural surroundings.

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