When was the Château-Neuf built?

Construction began after 1451, when the French retook Bayonne. The two main round towers date from around 1460, and the fortifications were remodeled over the centuries, notably in the 16th century and after Vauban's intervention in 1680.

Why was this castle built?

After the Hundred Years' War, it was meant to strengthen Bayonne's defenses against Spanish and English threats, but also to prevent internal revolts among the inhabitants.

What is the Mocoron tower?

It is a former 14th-century English city gate, incorporated into the Château-Neuf in the second half of the 15th century. It consists of two polygonal towers framing a door with a pointed arch.

What role did Vauban play at the Château-Neuf?

Sent in 1680, Vauban increased barracks capacity, sealed lower windows, and created a defensive moat around the castle.

Château Neuf

Bayonne

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Where: Bayonne

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Château d'Arcangues (Arcangues Castle)Château museum7 km
Château de Françon (Françon Castle)from 2/05/26 to 31/10/26; from 19/12/26 to 2/01/27; from 13/02 to 1/05/278 km

Sleep nearby

This week in the agenda

Visite guidée : Au coeur des remparts parcours Grand BayonneTue, Nov 10 · château-Vieux de Bayonne1 km

Château-Neuf stands in Bayonne (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Bayonne's Château-Neuf is a fortress built after 1451, when the French reclaimed the city and decided to strengthen its defenses against external threats and internal unrest. Erected partly on the former English fortifications of the 14th century, it consists of a quadrangular complex of towers and curtain walls that reflect successive changes in military architecture from the Middle Ages through the Vauban era.

This place also features in Vauban’s citadels and forts

What to know

The castle combines medieval elements, including a round tower dating from around 1460, with 16th-century military structures reinforced to counter advances in artillery.
Vauban intervened in 1680 to increase barracks capacity and adapt the fortress to new defensive requirements.
The site preserves notably the Mocoron tower, a former 14th-century English city gate, and a quarter-circle tower that served as a dungeon.
19th-century barracks buildings stand alongside medieval and modern remains.

Where this château is

Bayonne · Pyrénées-Atlantiques · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

1 Pl. Paul Bert, 64100 Bayonne

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

Get directions View on a map

3.7 / 5from 21 Google reviews

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00084331

Frequently asked

When was the Château-Neuf built?: Construction began after 1451, when the French retook Bayonne. The two main round towers date from around 1460, and the fortifications were remodeled over the centuries, notably in the 16th century and after Vauban's intervention in 1680.
Why was this castle built?: After the Hundred Years' War, it was meant to strengthen Bayonne's defenses against Spanish and English threats, but also to prevent internal revolts among the inhabitants.
What is the Mocoron tower?: It is a former 14th-century English city gate, incorporated into the Château-Neuf in the second half of the 15th century. It consists of two polygonal towers framing a door with a pointed arch.
What role did Vauban play at the Château-Neuf?: Sent in 1680, Vauban increased barracks capacity, sealed lower windows, and created a defensive moat around the castle.