Château de Sainte-Marie, ruined castle in Esterre in the Hautes-Pyrénées département of France
The Château de Sainte-Marie is a medieval castle perched on a hill in Esterre that commands views over the surrounding valleys. Its structure features thick stone walls, a round tower, and a square keep, with simple interior rooms containing exposed wooden beams and stone floors.
The castle was founded in the 11th century by Count Centulle III of Bigorre to protect the region and assert authority. During the 14th century it changed hands multiple times, was occupied by the English, and burned in 1404 before being recovered by local forces.
The castle takes its name from the former priory dedicated to Sainte-Marie, a sacred site that shaped the spiritual life of the region for centuries. Visitors can still sense how this religious foundation influenced the local community and its relationship to the landscape.
The site is easily reached on foot from nearby villages and is open year-round for visitors. The grounds are well-maintained with pathways that allow leisurely exploration and provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Local legend claims the ruins contain a secret tunnel through which the fictional thief Arsène Lupin allegedly escaped. This story, still told by people today, adds an element of intrigue and adventure to the visit.
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