Château de Lauret, château à Sainte-Gemme (Gers)
Château de Lauret is a fortified building located in Sainte-Gemme, constructed in stone with a square brick tower attached to the main structure. The building features thick ground-floor walls, an underground cellar lit by small windows, deep storage silos, and adjacent outbuildings, reflecting a construction designed for durability and self-sufficiency.
Construction dates to the medieval period, with modifications made over the centuries and notable occupation by the Castelbajac family from the 18th century. Listed as a historic monument in 1993, the castle is now protected by French law to preserve its historical structure.
The castle bears the marks of the families who inhabited it, notably the Castelbajac family from the 18th century onward, making it a landmark in local history. The surrounding grounds still show traces of the old moat that once formed a natural protective barrier around the residence.
Access is via small roads leading uphill from Sainte-Gemme to the site, which sits on slightly elevated terrain with uneven ground that requires care when walking. As it is a private property, visits must typically be arranged in advance through appointments or guided tours.
Underground silos still visible beneath the house demonstrate ancient food preservation techniques, allowing storage of grain and provisions at depths of several meters. These installations reveal how inhabitants ensured their food self-sufficiency over extended periods.
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