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Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Virazeil is built on a hill overlooking the Trec valley and the road CD933, in the territory of the municipality of Virazeil. Its strategic location offers a dominant view of the surroundings, reflecting its historical and defensive importance in the region. The site first welcomed a primitive home in the sixteenth century, marked by flamboyant Gothic elements, erected by the Pellegrue family, then owner of the place.

Virazeil's seigneury changed hands several times. Originally owned by the Caumonts, it passed to the Pellegrue in the 15th century, then to the families of Foix, Le Comte, and Belrieu. In 1715 Catherine de Belrieu brought the castle in dowry to her husband, Henri d'Augeard (or Daugeard), the mortar president of the Bordeaux Parliament. The latter marks the beginning of a period of Bordeaux influence on the field.

The present castle, visible from the road, was built between 1770 and 1774 for Jacques Daugeard, also president of the Parliament of Bordeaux and Baron de Virazeil since 1769. Although the architect remains discussed — Victor Louis and Étienne Laclotte having been mentioned — the sober style of the castle, without superfluous ornaments, suggests a vocation of a functional country residence. The orangery, added after 1823 by the Marquis of Peyrelongue, completes the architectural ensemble.

In the 20th century, the castle underwent major changes. Sold in 1940, it was stripped of its library, silverware and statues. In 1962, it was acquired by the Ligue pour l'adaptation du dégrément physique au travail (LADAPT), which provided facilities for persons with disabilities. These interior modifications, as well as the construction of two symmetrical buildings surrounding the courtyard, adapt the site to its new social and educational vocation.

Since its inscription in the historical monuments on 4 March 1964, the Castle of Virazeil has been home to a Centre for Vocational Rehabilitation (CRP) run by the ADAPT. This centre offers qualification courses at level V (CAP, BEP) and IV (baccalaureate) in the administrative, accounting and medical-social fields. Prepared degrees, such as Assistant Secretary or Assistant Accountant, are intended to facilitate the occupational integration of disabled workers.

The history of the castle thus reflects a remarkable evolution from a seigneurial and bourgeois residence to an establishment dedicated to social inclusion and vocational training, while maintaining its protected heritage status.

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