CAUMONT CASTLE

It is the largest Renaissance château in the region and one of the most visited tourist sites in the Gers. Inhabited by the de Castelbajac family, one of the oldest in Gascony, for several centuries, Château de Caumont, set in immense wooded and wild grounds, features an architectural ensemble classified as a Monument Historique and affiliated with the Demeure historique. This jewel, nicknamed the "Loire castle lost in Gascony", overlooks the Save valley and the Pyrenees chain. It was built by Pierre Nogaret de La Valette on his return from the Italian campaigns of François ^I. The building, designed by architect Nicolas Bachelier in stone and brick, is flanked by four strong towers. The three wings are arranged in a U-shape around a large, recently restored main courtyard. At the entrance to the estate stands another building, built on the remains of a former fortified castle. Smaller and older, with the allure and romance of a fairytale castle, it hosts weddings, receptions and film shoots.

In addition to guided tours, the Château de Caumont offers a wide range of events: a classical music concert in August; an antique fair in June; and all year round, costume balls, garden parties, flea markets, exhibitions, conferences, concerts, Halloween events and an escape game in the château's underground passages (not recommended for the faint-hearted!).