The castle of Morlanne is located in the town of the same name, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, 30 km north of Pau.
It was built in the 14th century by the architect Sicard de Lordat on behalf of Gaston Fébus who wanted to strengthen the defensive system of Béarn.
The first owner of the premises was however his half-brother Guilhem de Béarn responsible for monitoring this strategic point facing Gascony then possession of England.
The domain then passed to the lords of Béarn and then to a young man from Gascony who made a fortune, Odet d'Aydilie, who passed it on to his heirs. They were succeeded by the family of Montesquiou then a marshal of Louis XIV. Finally, until 1816, the Candeau dynasty held the place.
Restored in 1971 by historian Raymond Ritter and his wife, the site is now owned by the Department.
The castle takes the form of a stone and brick fortress with a high keep with courtyard and enclosure. It is a remarkable example of military architecture from the medieval period under Gaston Fébus.
It is furnished and decorated with care thanks to the collections bequeathed by the Ritters couple (furniture, paintings - including works by Quentin de la Tour and Fragonard -, tapestries and sculptures).
Free, guided or thematic tours are offered using modern museography (optical theaters). Events are also scheduled in the summer season in particular.
Open from April to October. Price: from 5 euros and supplements for guided tours or certain activities. Information on +33 5 59 81 60 27.
