Château de Bidache, Medieval castle in Bidache, France
Château de Bidache is a fortress in Bidache, France, featuring two circular towers that frame the entrance and a central cylindrical tower commanding the entire structure from an elevated position. The building combines medieval defensive elements with Renaissance residential areas that were added later in the 16th century.
The castle is first mentioned in 1329, when the lord of Gramont paid homage to the king of Navarre for it. In September 1523 troops of Charles V burned the medieval castle after a three-day siege; Claire de Gramont then led its rebuilding with Renaissance additions. Confiscated in 1793 and briefly used as a military hospital, it was ravaged by fire on the night of 22-23 February 1796.
Bidache was a sovereign principality, and the castle was its seat; the Gramont lords signed a justice ordinance for their sovereignty on 13 November 1570. A Gascon Christmas carol, a quatrain, records the wonder of the villagers at the 16th-century rebuilding: the shepherd marvels that Jesus was not born in the Château de Bidache. The site now hosts Les Historiques de Bidache, a historical festival.
The ruins stand in the open in Bidache, with the three round towers of the medieval castle still visible to the north-west and south. The site was consolidated and made accessible between 2005 and 2008 and again between 2010 and 2012. The Historiques de Bidache, held here, draw large crowds, so time a visit outside those days for a quieter look.
The location once served as the seat of a sovereign principality, which gave it an exceptional status within French territorial organization. This elevated position made it much more than just a noble residence, turning it into a true center of power.
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