Lagrange-Monrepos castle is located in the town of Nérac, in the south of Lot-et-Garonne.
It was built around 1550 on the foundations of a medieval building by Henri I of Albret, grandfather of the King of France Henri IV, for his mistress Marianne Alespée. The latter's family remained the owner until the beginning of the 17th century.
Previously, the building was intended to control the Baïse valley. But when, during the Renaissance, the court of Navarre settled in Nérac, a number of castles or residences changed their vocation.
This is the case for this one. To the original castle (a large rectangular main building with two towers on the north facade), a large round tower was added, connected to the south facade by a high wall pierced with a door framed by pilasters. Note that the mullioned windows are surmounted by a triangular pediment. The large room on the first floor retains a monumental fireplace adorned with polychrome painting. On the ground floor, a large room has a ceiling with exposed joists, supported by two beams whose faces are painted with reclining figures, life size.
Due to the Wars of Religion, there are still many elements of military architecture.
The building is protected as a historical monument, as is its beautiful dovecote.
The property is private and is not open to the public, but the castle can mark out a free or guided walk in this city with a rich heritage. Information on +33 5 53 65 27 75.
