Château de Saint-Béat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Château de Saint-Béat is a ruined castle in the commune of Saint-Béat-Lez in the Haute-Garonne département of France.[1]
The castle dates from the 12th century. It was enlarged by Henri IV (1553 – 1610). Rulers rarely lived in Saint-Béat; the castle was occupied by captains until the 16th century.[1] In 1588, the Parlement of Toulouse passed a law that required the inhabitants of Melles, Argut and Arlos by turns to guard the castle, subject to a fine of 500 écus.[2] The castle never had to repel invasions, though its strategic position close to the Spanish border led to it being described as "la clef de France" (the key to France).[1]
The castle was surrounded by two enceintes.[3] The keep measures 5 metres by 5 and had two storeys. The castle provides views over the village and the Garonne valley.[1]
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