Lagorce Castle

The 14^th century Château Lagorce is a former castle, converted into a château, in the commune of Haux in the département of Gironde, France. It acquired its name ‘Lagorce’ or ‘The Great Gorce’, from a type of vegetation which appeared at the beginning of the 16th century.

History of Lagorce Castle

According to a document from the 18th century, the château originally had a moat, and the oldest tower has walls 1.2 meters thick. Both of these features helped it to defend itself, as it became embroiled in feudal wars during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The residence was partly destroyed during the later part of these centuries.

In the 15th century it changed hands with regularity as marriages took place.

In 1636 it was owned by Menaud de Maonaudon, married to Marguerite de Cursol. At the time of their installation at Lagorce, they accomplished major work on the property. However, their signature is preserved in a key-stone in the form of a coat-of-arms uniting the Montaudon and Cursol family.

After the French Revolution in 1793, Francois Galatheau sold Lagorce to Hyacinthe Feger, whose nephew resold the property in 1802 ‘in a very bad state.’

Lagorce Castle Today

In the early 2000s the building underwent complete internal renovation, restoring it to how it would have looked a few hundred years ago. It is a popular wedding venue which can accommodate up to 150 people.

Getting to Lagorce Castle

From the centre of Bordeaux, the castle is a 35 minute drive via the D10 road. It also makes for a scenic bike ride, taking around an hour and 40 minutes via Piste Cyclable Roger Lapébie.