Who built the Château d'Ilbarritz?

Baron Albert de l'Espée, heir to the Wendel steelworks, had it built in the late 19th century.

Which architect designed the château?

The Biarritz-based architect Gustave Huguenin designed and oversaw the construction.

Why was the château built?

The baron wanted a secluded place with a favourable climate and, above all, a hall large enough to house a monumental organ.

Is the Château d'Ilbarritz a protected monument?

It has been listed as a historic monument since 1990, covering its façades, roofs, organ room and grand staircase.

Where is the Château d'Ilbarritz located?

It stands in Bidart, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, atop the Handia hill.

Château d'Ilbarritz

Ilbarritz Castle

Bidart

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Where: Bidart

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Open within 20 km

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Visite guidée : Au coeur des remparts parcours Grand BayonneTue, Nov 10 · château-Vieux de Bayonne9 km

Château d'Ilbarritz stands in Bidart (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: fourth quarter of the 19th century, 20th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Standing atop the Handia hill in Bidart, the Château d'Ilbarritz overlooks the ocean with views reaching toward the Pyrenees and the Spanish coast. It was built in the late 19th century for a wealthy heir to the Wendel steelworks, a reclusive figure who wanted above all a setting for one of the largest organs ever built for a private owner. Architect Gustave Huguenin, based in Biarritz, gave it turrets, terraces and façades designed to withstand the region's fierce coastal winds. Now listed as a historic monument, the building remains a striking example of Belle Époque private architecture on the Basque coast.

Written from Château d'Ilbarritz

What to know

The château stands on the Handia hill in Bidart, with views over the ocean and the Pyrenean peaks.
Only the façades, roofs, organ room and grand staircase are protected as a historic monument, since 1990.
The current building results from construction phases carried out between 1894 and 1907, followed by an extension in 1960.
The estate originally formed a large complex linked by several kilometres of covered galleries down to the beach, most of which no longer survives.

Where this château is

Bidart · Pyrénées-Atlantiques · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château d'Ilbarritz

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

64210 Bidart

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00084544
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 19th century, 20th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built the Château d'Ilbarritz?: Baron Albert de l'Espée, heir to the Wendel steelworks, had it built in the late 19th century.
Which architect designed the château?: The Biarritz-based architect Gustave Huguenin designed and oversaw the construction.
Why was the château built?: The baron wanted a secluded place with a favourable climate and, above all, a hall large enough to house a monumental organ.
Is the Château d'Ilbarritz a protected monument?: It has been listed as a historic monument since 1990, covering its façades, roofs, organ room and grand staircase.
Where is the Château d'Ilbarritz located?: It stands in Bidart, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, atop the Handia hill.