The castle of Valmirande is located at Montréjeau, in Haute-Garonne, 15 km south-east of Lannemezan, on the edge of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
It was built from 1893 by the Bordeaux architect Louis Garros, on behalf of Baron Bertrand de Lassus, heir to a family of bankers. Neo-Renaissance style, inspired by the castle of Chambord, the castle was built in record time (only a few years), being able to be inhabited from 1899 and only the Gothic style chapel, famous for its marble and stained glass windows, was later added, in 1905.
This very spectacular castle was built with gray limestone from Lourdes at the level of the base, white stones from Angoumois being used for the facades and slates covering the roofs.
The vast interiors are heated by a heater installed in a high tower with medieval architecture, 40 m from the castle but connected via an underground canal.
The estate also includes a park of some 40 hectares which was designed by the brothers Denis and Eugène Bühler, to whom we also owe the Tête d'Or parks in Lyon and Borély in Marseille. There is an arboretum rich in 180 species of trees which are now 100 years old, including tulip trees from Virginia, cedars from Lebanon, magnolias... French-style flowerbeds were added in 1912, particularly overlooking the Pyrenees.
The castle, which still belongs to the same family, is protected as historical monuments and its park has the Remarkable Garden label.
Interiors cannot be visited. Guided tour of the park from July 14 to August 31, one day (variable) per week in September and during school holidays. All year round for groups by reservation. Price: 4 and 6 euros. Information on +33 6 21 05 40 16.
