Flamarens Castle

Flamarens Castle

• Hosts the artistic activities of the ART-TERRE32 association.
• Is open for visits in July and August and during Heritage Days.
• Has opened a PILGRIM ACCOMMODATION.
• Is available for rental for film shoots.

History of the monument

The Viscounts of Lomagne, including the Durfort, Galard, and later the Grossoles families, successively owned this seigneury.

1289

The old Castrum was located on a motte (a natural or artificially modified mound), where few remnants of the original Castrum remain. It was received as a dowry by Régine de Goth, niece of Bertrand de Goth (who became Pope Clement V in 1305), upon her marriage to Bernard de Durfort on May 19, 1289.

1469

He decided to build a new castle and hired a mason from Limousin, Jean de Cazanove, who drew up a "bail à ouvrages" (work contract). He committed to constructing a main building with two rooms and a keep (now the staircase tower) within two years, in exchange for:
"241 gold écus, 50 measures of wheat, 21 barrels of good, pure, natural, and marketable red wine, 3 barrels of piquette (a light wine), 5 suitable cows, 7 pigs aged 2 to 4 years, pairs of hens, ducks, and geese, and dozens of eggs (to be paid in two installments on Saint Bartholomew’s Day, with supplies provided as needed)."

1535

Barnard de Grossoles, son of Jean, expanded the castle. Georges Dauzière, another mason from Limousin, was in charge of the work. On top of the two remaining rooms from the 13th-century castle, he raised the walls over three levels and added a massive 12-meter-diameter tower.

1630

In the 17th century, the castle underwent a complete interior renovation and reached its peak. It was described in Gascon as "La castèt de Flamarens, brèt dehore, brèt deguèens" (the castle of Flamarens, beautiful outside and inside). It became the favored residence of the Marquise Marie-Françoise Le Hardy de la Trousse, wife of Antoine-Agesilas de Grossolles and relative of Madame de Sévigné.

1882

The castle was sold and became the property of the Galard-Magnas family until 1963. They lived there until 1920-1930 before abandoning it due to the deterioration of the roofs. They attempted to sell it in 1928 and even offered to donate it to the state in 1939.

1943

A fire caused by lightning in June 1943 destroyed much of the roofing. In the 1960s, the castle was put up for sale in separate parts.

1960

The castle was dismantled and sold piece by piece (marble fireplaces, tiles, parquet, beams, etc.).

1963

Mr. Coustaing, a dentist in Paris, purchased the ruined monument, had it listed as a Historic Monument (MH) in 1965, and began conservation efforts, including restoring the 15th-century roof and the three windows of the main tower in 1970.

1983

A family-owned real estate company (SCI), represented by the Gadel family, acquired the castle and embarked on an extensive restoration project, which continues to this day.

2023

After 40 years of family-led restoration work, the SCI has launched a new phase of restoration aimed at reconstructing the roofs lost in 1943.

This ongoing project is financially supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Occitanie Region, the Gers Department, and the Fondation du Patrimoine.

It is sponsored by the VMF Association and Airbnb.

Each of you can contribute to this noble cause by supporting the restoration of the castle through a donation via the Fondation du Patrimoine.

Every contribution counts and helps preserve this invaluable historical heritage for future generations.

THE GROSSOLES FAMILY

Several members of this lineage left their mark on history :

The House of Grossoles, of which the lords of Flamarens were a branch, was one of the most significant and distinguished families in the province of Guyenne. They held prestigious ecclesiastical and military positions and formed alliances with some of the most illustrious houses of the kingdom.

1466

Jean de Grossoles became the new owner of the Château de Flamarens. He owned approximately 8,000 hectares, of which 2,000 were cultivated.

1469

On the site of a castrum documented in 1289, Jean de Grossoles, lord of the estate, commissioned a mason from Limousin to construct an imposing fortress. The château was built on a high vantage point.

1535

Barnard, son of Jean de Grossoles, expanded the château.
Following this construction, he later enlarged the church by removing the wall between the small 13th-century tower hall and the old church.

1545

Herrard de Grossoles, elected Bishop of Condom in 1521, initiated the construction of the church of Flamarens. A renowned builder, he was responsible for completing the construction of Condom Cathedral and its cloister, as well as numerous chapels throughout his diocese.

1609

Another Jean de Grossoles married Françoise d'Albret, a cousin of Henry IV. Through this alliance, the Flamarens branch became linked to the House of Bourbon, and the Grossoles of Flamarens were granted the right to include the arms of France in their coat of arms.

1640

The Marquise Marie-Françoise Le Hardy de la Trousse, wife of Antoine-Agesilas de Grossoles and a relative of Madame de Sévigné, completely renovated the château’s interior.

1641

Antoine Agesilas de Grossoles became famous for being the lover of Mademoiselle de Montpensier. A few years later, François Gaston de Grossoles gained notoriety for his exile in Spain after being involved in a duel.

1675

Jean François Agésilan de Grossoles, Count of Flamarens, served as the Premier Maître d'Hôtel to Monsieur, the brother of King Louis XIV.

1818

Caprais de Grossoles, 6th Marquis of Flamarens, used the Château de Flamarens as a secondary residence.
Having emigrated during the French Revolution, he served as an officer in the Armée de Condé and was a deputy for Gers from 1820 to 1830. He later became a Gentilhomme de la Chambre (Gentleman of the Chamber) to King Charles X.

1837

Emmanuel Louis Charles Jules Marie, Count of Flamarens (1818–1837) and 7th Marquis of Flamarens (1837–1878), used the Château de Flamarens as a secondary residence.
He became a senator in 1854, secretary of the Senate in 1860, and an honorary chamberlain to the Emperor in 1864.

1878

This illustrious lineage came to an end in 1878 with the death of Jules Alexandre Agésilas, Count of Grossoles. He had served as a general councilor and senator of Gers under Napoleon III but left no heirs, despite the family having produced 15 Lords and Marquises of Flamarens.

He was an honorary chamberlain of the Imperial Household and was appointed senator of the Second Empire under Napoleon III on December 4, 1854, a position he held until 1876.

Visits

Open in July and August
Every day except Tuesday

Pilgrim accommodation

Located right on the GR 65, in the heart of the small village of FLAMARENS, Marie-Hélène and Arthur welcome pilgrims to their Renaissance castle. You will be accommodated on the second floor of this magnificent monument (which they have been restoring themselves for 40 years) in two 40 m² dormitories, each with 6 beds, and a 40 m² private room for two people. You will enjoy the unique panoramic view offered by this exceptional site. Half-board is available, as the village has no shops for pilgrims.

Open by reservation
from May 1st to October 31st

Call : +33 6 20 30 03 52
or +33 6 20 44 44 48.

Visits

Visites

Open in July and August
Every day except Tuesday

Learn more

Pilgrim accommodation

More information

Support the restoration of the roofs of Flamarens Castle

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