How old is the château de la Mothe-Gajac?

The present building was rebuilt after the Hundred Years' War, in the late 15th century, on the site of an earlier castle mound.

Is the château connected to Montaigne?

Yes, it was acquired by Pierre Eyquem de Montaigne, the writer's paternal uncle, and stayed in that family until the Revolution.

Can the château be visited?

No verified information is available on visiting conditions for this monument.

Why is the château surrounded by modern buildings?

It is now enclosed by housing estates and a shopping centre, as urban development has spread around it over time.

Is the château a protected historic monument?

It has been listed in its entirety since an order of 26 April 2013, following a partial listing in 1988.

Château de Gajac

Saint-Médard-en-Jalles

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Saint-Médard-en-Jalles

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Conférences au Château de Mongenan : Le SAC, sa vie, son oeuvreSun, Nov 8 · château de Mongenan30 km
Diners Ephémères d'Automne au Château Haut-BaillyThu, Nov 12 · château Haut-Bailly19 km

Château de la Mothe-Gajac stands in Saint-Médard-en-Jalles (Gironde), 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 15th century, 16th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

In Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, the Mothe-Gajac château shows a four-sided plan with corner towers and water-filled moats, a rare survival among the fortified houses of the Bordeaux region. The building dates from the late 15th century and belonged for generations to the Montaigne family, including an uncle of the writer. Now surrounded by housing estates and a shopping centre, it still retains its defensive outline, with three round towers and a square one containing a chapel.

Written from Château de la Mothe-Gajac

What to know

The château has been listed as a monument historique in its entirety since 2013.
It stands in a built-up area, between housing estates and shops, which alters the setting one might expect of a fortified château.
The towers lost their original roofs during the Second World War and now show varied coverings.
No verified information is available regarding opening hours, fees, or visiting arrangements.
A 1943 bunker still stands in front of the château, a trace of its more recent history.

Where this château is

Saint-Médard-en-Jalles · Gironde · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de la Mothe-Gajac

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, Gironde

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

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00083786
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 15th century, 16th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

How old is the château de la Mothe-Gajac?: The present building was rebuilt after the Hundred Years' War, in the late 15th century, on the site of an earlier castle mound.
Is the château connected to Montaigne?: Yes, it was acquired by Pierre Eyquem de Montaigne, the writer's paternal uncle, and stayed in that family until the Revolution.
Can the château be visited?: No verified information is available on visiting conditions for this monument.
Why is the château surrounded by modern buildings?: It is now enclosed by housing estates and a shopping centre, as urban development has spread around it over time.
Is the château a protected historic monument?: It has been listed in its entirety since an order of 26 April 2013, following a partial listing in 1988.