Château de Saint-Béat

The Château de Saint-Béat is a ruined castle in the commune of Saint-Béat in the Haute-Garonne département of France.[1]

Château de Saint-Béat overlooking the village of Saint-Béat

History

The castle dates from the 12th century. It was enlarged by Henri IV (1553 – 1610). Rulers rarely lived in Saint-Béat; the castle was occupied by captains until the 16th century.[1] In 1588, the Parlement of Toulouse passed a law that required the inhabitants of Melles, Argut and Arlos by turns to guard the castle, subject to a fine of 500 écus.[2] The castle never had to repel invasions, though its strategic position close to the Spanish border led to it being described as "la clef de France" (the key to France).[1]

Description

The castle was surrounded by two enceintes.[3] The keep measures 5m square and had two storeys. The castle provides views over the village and the Garonne valley.[1]

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See also

References
  1. Jean-Jacques DARD, "Le château de Saint-Béat, « clef de France »", La Dépêche du Midi, 25 July 2002. (in French)
  2. P. de Casteran, "Document Inédits - Lettres de M. de Froidour, III", Revue de Gascogne : bulletin mensuel du Comité d'histoire et d'archéologie de la province ecclésiastique d'Auch, January 1898, p 350 (in French)
  3. A. de Baroncelli, Les Pyrénées de Bayonne à Perpignan, p 101 (1900) (in French)


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