Château de Biron

The Biron Castle is near the village of Biron in the department of Dordogne of the French Périgord. Built on a rocky promontory above the Lède building was added to the list of historical monuments of France in 1928.

History

Biron Castle is the ancestral home of the family Gontaut -Biron, who resided here since the 12th century and traditionally adhered to the politically conceived Protestantism. 1211 the castle was taken over by the Cathars, but the following year by Simon IV de Montfort besieged and conquered in the Albigensian Crusade as northernmost refuge stronghold of the Cathars. During the religious wars of the Baron of Biron the Huguenot leader Henry of Navarre supported, but only up to its ascent to the royal converts. A high point in the family history was the year 1598, as his confidant Charles de Gontaut and thus the barons of Biron gave Duke and peerage Henry IV of France. However, the ambitious Duke forged a plot against the king and was beheaded in 1602 for treason.

Building

24 generations of the family Gontaut -Biron have built from the 12th to the 20th century at the castle, which is presented in accordance with many styles. Clearly we can distinguish three periods: the fortified tract from the Middle Ages in the middle, to which an extension from the Renaissance followed, as well as the inner two-storey chapel from the 16th century.

A staircase leading from the courtyard of the castle to the courtyard surrounded by residential buildings. The northern wing was attached to the keep. In the south wing is the Ständesaal who has a keel- shaped roof. Between the two wings can be reached via an open loggia in the park.

1978 acquired the Dordogne is no longer inhabited since the French Revolution Castle Biron. Since then, more restoration work has been carried out and set up an art center with changing exhibitions.