Château de Montaner, Montaner, France

The Château de Montaner is a castle in the commune of Montaner in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département. A castle was built on a motte in the 11th century by the Viscounts of Montaner. It was reconstructed in 1375 by Sicard de Lordat on the orders of Gaston Fébus to protect the frontiers of Béarn with Bigorre and Armagnac. The architect, Sicard de Lordat, was also responsible for the Château de Pau and the Château de Morlanne and is noted for utilising brick in his constructions, its advantages being comparative cheapness and speed.

It includes a vast polygonal enceinte with 20 sections supported by buttresses with two gateways and a 36 metre high square keep, accessed by a swing bridge. Above the door to the keep is the majestic coat of arms of Foix-Béarn, itself capped with the words 'Fébus mé fé' ('Fébus made me'). Since 1854, the Castle has been owned and managed by the Pyrénées-Atlantiques département. In summer, numerous spectacles and exhibitions are organised on the theme of the Middle Ages.

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User Reviews

Wolf Grimshaw (5 years ago)
Really interesting with an excellent guide to explain the history. It's very good value as well. Only down side is a small cafe would be a good idea as there is non in the immediate location, it would bring in a few more funds for the restoration

Stephie MadFish (5 years ago)
It was so unexpected! Amazing building and wonderful story told us by the young man on duty.

alexandre balestat (5 years ago)
Very nice! A pity we can't go up in the tower without a guide

Lushika Raven P (6 years ago)
The guided tour and self guided tours are both awesome. Staff and live action courtyard are alot of fun. You can try authentic medieval recipes, play games, see crafting and armour. I really enjoyed the crash course in medieval sword fighting. Everyone is so friendly and knowledgeable. Some guides speak English as well as French.

L. OKennedy Lerm (8 years ago)
Great place. Strange how the wind just blows inside through the château!

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Château de Montaner

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