Built primarily between the 16th and 17th centuries, except for one of the chateau’s wings, which was later rebuilt in the 19th century, the chateau, listed as a regional historical monument, is closely linked to local history: this was the birthplace of Jean-François de Galaup in 1741, Count of Lapérouse and a famous navigator and explorer, who spent his childhood here, while the dwelling has preserved, for the most part, its 18th-century layout.
Accessible via a metal gate, which opens on to a tree-lined lane that leads to the chateau’s courtyard, the property features a patio that skirts the edifice and overlooks the nearby meadows that descend towards the Tarn, visible through the trees. Below, a swimming pool blends in seamlessly with the property’s rolling topography, while a former nymphaeum, most likely created in the 19th century and supplied with water via a natural spring, is located off to one side.
As for the grounds, of approximately 3.6 hectares, they feature tall trees, ornamental plants, pastureland and wooded areas, whereas the chateau enjoys unobstructed panoramas of the river from its patio and exteriors.

The Chateau

A late-Renaissance dwelling, it is laid out around a U-shaped courtyard, enclosed on its fourth side by a low wall accessible via a carriage entrance. Although mostly preserved in its original state, the dwelling is cadenced by several doors, added later and topped with ogees, as well as cross-windows, while, built out of flat local bricks, the edifice adopts a layout similar to that of a private mansion and incorporates the architectural codes of Renaissance-era Toulouse, this time expressed in a way that is adapted to a noble, yet rural, dwelling.
As for the courtyard, facing east, it highlights the building’s chronology: the west and oldest wing housing the spiral staircase; the 17th-century southern wing; and the northern wing, which was resumed in the 19th century.
In addition, behind the carriage entrance, the chateau’s exteriors, cadenced by ashlar stone cross-windows, surround its central pebble courtyard, while its front door, topped with a finely carved ogee, is instantly recognisable and provides a stately entrance to this noble residence.

The ground floor
The chateau’s front door opens on to a 17th-century wooden spiral staircase, an eye-catching feature that represents one of the chateau’s major structural elements, while a landing provides access to a patio as well as its two wings: the southern wing can be reached via an immense corridor, with both a lavatory and direct access to the courtyard. From here, another hallway leads to a space that includes both the living room and dining room, topped with thick moulded ceiling beams.
As for the upstairs level’s ancient wooden floorboards, they are supported by the ceiling’s joists, whereas an immense brick fireplace, in which a wood-burning stove has been installed, structures the room, bathed in light thanks to its triple exposure. In addition, a kitchen, recently updated with more contemporary features, echoes the edifice’s spacious volumes, and gives on to both the courtyard and patio.
Venturing on to the northern wing, an initial bedroom, with its own bathroom, updated with a contemporary look and featuring both a bathtub and a shower, as well as a wardrobe towards the back, is topped with ceiling beams identical to the ones found in the living room, while its windows look out to the west over the patio and to the north over the garden. It should be noted that the entire ground floor is used as the owners’ private living quarters, whereas the upstairs level is dedicated to tourist accommodations.
The upstairs
Upstairs, in the northern wing, a wide hallway leads to a bedroom, facing west and abutting a shower room, which is dedicated to the chateau’s one-time illustrious occupant, Lapérouse. Featuring a fireplace with a wooden mantel topped with a delicately ornate mirror, the ceiling is decorated with a painted medallion, while the floor is clad in terracotta tiles.
In addition, a second bedroom, also in the northern wing, includes a contemporary shower room and communicates with a walkway overlooking the carriage entrance and providing views of both the courtyard and drive.
As for the southern wing, a hallway first provides access to a linen cupboard, followed by a sitting room reserved for guests. Topped with ceiling beams, this room boasts a fireplace crowned with a wooden mantel as well as a mirror, while its windows look out over the courtyard and garden from three different directions.
Last, but not least, the sitting room communicates with another bedroom and a shower room, all featuring terracotta floor tiles and visible wooden ceiling planks.
The attic
In the northern wing and convertible, this level is accessible via a spiral staircase, while its wooden rafters, with trusses and raised tie beams, make it possible to easily move about this space.
The basement
In the lower section of the northern wing, a brick staircase leads to the cellars, made up of two adjacent vaulted brick rooms with beaten earth floors, while the chateau’s heating system is located in the second of the two rooms.