Château de Gramont

Château de Gramont is a castle on a hilltop overlooking the Arratz River that combines Gothic and Renaissance features. The building brings together several construction periods, with Renaissance rooms decorated in detail and medieval walls still standing throughout.

In the 13th century, Simon IV de Montfort controlled the castle during the Albigensian Crusade and later transferred it to his lieutenant. A Renaissance wing was added between 1535 and 1545 that significantly changed the building's structure.

The Renaissance rooms display furnishings and large fireplaces that show how nobility lived and spent their time. You can see how important craftsmanship and comfort were to those who lived here.

Access involves walking up a path from the village to reach the castle, with some stretches being steep. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the various rooms and towers at a leisurely pace.

A spiral staircase winds upward to a small chapel, showing how Renaissance architects made clever use of limited space. The Simon de Montfort Tower stands as a remnant of the original medieval fortification and creates a visual contrast with the later additions.