Hiking

Le Fréchou, land of ash trees

The village of Le Fréchou, whose name comes from the word for ash tree, is beautifully situated in the heart of the Pays d'Albret, between the Baïse and Osse valleys.
In the 13th century, it was a common castrum, formed around its castle and church. But in 1588, it entered French history: it was the lord of Fréchou, François de Montpezat, commander of the "Forty-Five" guard, who assassinated the Duke of Guise in 1588 at the Estates General of Blois on the orders of Henry III.
Le Fréchou is also known for its dam bridge, known as the "Roman bridge," and its massive wall pierced by three arches, the origin of which remains a mystery.
The castle stands in a fortified courtyard, the gate is framed by flat pillars and topped by a coat of arms and a mullioned window. The windows and door date from the early 16th century. A large 13th-century tower, now in ruins, stands behind the keep.