When was Guiche Castle built?

Following its destruction in 1257 by Bayonne sailors, the castle was reconstructed in the second half of the 13th century, with further modifications and reinforcements added in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Why did the castle's lordship change hands?

The seigneury remained under English control until 1444, then passed to the King of Navarre's authority before being permanently ceded to the Gramont family in 1534.

What remains of the castle today?

The site survives as partial ruins: the square keep, rectangular enclosure and gate tower are preserved, along with traces of secondary buildings and a 16th-century bastion.

Château de Guiche

Guiche Castle

Guiche

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Guiche

To make a day of it

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This week in the agenda

Visite guidée : Au coeur des remparts parcours Grand BayonneTue, Nov 10 · château-Vieux de Bayonne23 km

Château de Guiche stands in Guiche (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 13th century, 14th century, 16th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Guiche Castle, a 13th-century fortress in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, reflects the military and political struggles over Basque lands between English and French powers. Built following its destruction in 1257, the site preserves its square keep, rectangular enclosure with a gate tower, and evidence of medieval defensive systems. A 16th-century bastion reinforces the northwestern side.

What to know

The castle holds the status of a classified historical monument; the entire fortress, including its bastion and surrounding moat, is protected.
Located in Guiche in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, the site consists of partial ruins dating mainly to the 13th and 15th centuries, with later modifications from the 16th century.
Access and visiting conditions are not publicly documented; inquire with Guiche town hall before planning a visit.

Where this château is

Guiche · Pyrénées-Atlantiques · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Guiche

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Guiche, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00084393
Period of construction: 13th century, 14th century, 16th century

Frequently asked

When was Guiche Castle built?: Following its destruction in 1257 by Bayonne sailors, the castle was reconstructed in the second half of the 13th century, with further modifications and reinforcements added in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Why did the castle's lordship change hands?: The seigneury remained under English control until 1444, then passed to the King of Navarre's authority before being permanently ceded to the Gramont family in 1534.
What remains of the castle today?: The site survives as partial ruins: the square keep, rectangular enclosure and gate tower are preserved, along with traces of secondary buildings and a 16th-century bastion.