Orgeix Castle

Orgeix Castle is a stone fortress in the French Pyrenees situated at about 720 meters elevation near a lake of the same name. The building contains roughly 40 rooms and displays the architecture of a fortified residence from the 1800s.

The castle began construction in 1820 under the Thonel d'Orgeix family, who had received their marquis title just three years earlier in 1817. This fortified residence was built shortly after the family gained their noble status.

The forty-room castle served as a social center for the region, hosting numerous balls and masquerades throughout its active period.

The castle sits in a mountainous area with limited access, so advance planning is necessary for a visit. The nearest town provides accommodation and supplies for travelers.

The last owner, Jean de Orgeix, won an Olympic bronze medal in 1948 and later became a French film actor under the stage name Jean Pâqui. This unusual link between nobility, athletics, and cinema makes the castle's story particularly interesting.

Location: Orgeix

GPS coordinates: 42.70950,1.85540

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06