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Montesquieu

Located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Garonne valley, this "wild hill" is an ancient fortified village from the Middle Ages accessible through three gates, the remains of which still stand today. The castle was located in the center, but the church has always been on the outside, suggesting that it was a sanctuary older than the village. The remains of the medieval castle of Montesquieu inspire dreams of the era of knights and the noble Secondat de Montesquieu family. Equidistant from Nérac and Agen, the village was an important frontier: sometimes a link, sometimes a barricade.

 

In February 1606, Henry IV granted the title of baron to Jacques de Secondat, a gentleman of the king's chamber. The commune thus changed from a seigneury to a barony. Most of the houses were rebuilt in the 19th century, as they were in ruins. The new town was established in the second half of the 19th century at the foot of the old town's spur. The fortifications were restored in 1936, but the castle was destroyed.
 
 
This municipality has a highest point of 163 meters and a population of around 497. It is one of the largest municipalities in the Pays d'Albret region, covering 2,554 hectares.  Its valley, bathed by the waters of the Garonne, is home to a place of great richness: the Conservatoire Végétal d'Aquitaine, an orchard museum showcasing the beauty and diversity that nature has to offer.
 
 
Anecdote: It wasJeanne d'Albret, daughter of Marguerite d'Angoulême and mother of Henri IV, who gave the land of Montesquieu to Jean de Secondat on October 2, 1564. According to Baron Philippe de Montesquieu, "The Château de Montesquieu was already in very poor condition in the 18th century."
 

Monuments:13th-century ramparts – Aquitaine Regional Plant Conservatory

 

For more information:See more photos of Montesquieu...See detailsofMontesquieu'sarchitectural heritageormovable heritage...

Events in Montesquieu
MONTESQUIEU TOWN HALL WEBSITE
The 33 municipalities
Courrejot Distillery - Albret Tourism
Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Armagnac

Le Courréjot Castle

Discover Château Le Courréjot, a family-owned estate in Condom, and share their passion for Armagnac.

From the still to the barrel cellar, discover their expertise and round out your tour with a tasting of their Armagnacs.

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Fancy a getaway to Albret?

Stay in the heart of Nérac at the Hôtel Henri IV

Discover the Hôtel Henri IV, a charming 3-star hotel located in the heart of Nérac, perfect for a weekend getaway, a stopover during your travels, or a relaxing stay.

EXPLORE THE HOTEL
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Henri IV Hotel, Nérac - Albret Tourism
Henri IV Hotel, Nérac - Albret Tourism
Henri IV Hotel, Nérac - Albret Tourism
Henri IV Hotel, Nérac - Albret Tourism
Henri IV Hotel, Nérac - Albret Tourism

Stay in the heart of Nérac at the Hôtel Henri IV

Fancy a getaway to Albret? Discover the Hôtel Henri IV, a charming 3-star hotel located in the heart of Nérac—perfect for a weekend getaway, a stopover during your travels, or a relaxing stay.

Discover the hotel
Henri IV Castle Museum
Moulin des Tours

Guided tours in February

From Tuesday, February 10 to Thursday, February 19,

The Albret Tourist Office invites you to follow its guides on a journey of discovery:

 

of the Moulin des Tours and

of the Henri IV Castle Museum

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