Château de Caumont

Château de Caumont is a Renaissance residence in Cazaux-Savès, in the heart of Gers, in the French region of Gascony. Widely regarded as the largest Renaissance château in the area, it now ranks among the most visited historic sites in the department and stands on the site of an earlier stronghold once linked to Gaston Fébus.

Where did the current château come from?

The building took its present shape during a major reconstruction carried out between 1525 and 1535. Tradition credits Pierre de Nogaret with commissioning the work, while the architectural design is attributed to Nicolas Bachelier, a Toulouse master builder and one of the leading figures of southern French Renaissance architecture. It was within these walls that Jean-Louis de Nogaret, Duke of Épernon, was born — a favourite of King Henri III, a duke and peer of France, admiral of the French fleet, and a close companion of Henri IV, present at the king's side when he was assassinated by Ravaillac in 1610. That connection ties Caumont directly to the French royal court at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries.

How do you get there?

The château sits roughly 12 km southwest of L'Isle-Jourdain and 7 km north of Samatan, in a quiet, rural corner of the Gers countryside. Driving from Toulouse takes about 35 minutes, which makes Caumont an easy day-trip destination from the city, while also serving as a pleasant base for a longer stay in the region.

What will you find on site?

Château de Caumont is surrounded by a wooded, 50-hectare estate that, alongside the château itself, includes a fully restored hamlet — former farm buildings now converted into guest accommodation. The parkland is home to a striking collection of mature trees, including an oak estimated at around 450 years old, a living witness to the era when the château was built. Visitors can wander the grounds on foot, and those looking for something more unusual can take part in an escape-game-style experience set among the château's walls and park.

Who looks after the château today?

Since 2015, Château de Caumont has been in the hands of Mathilde and Ghislain de Castelbajac, who continue the ongoing work of conservation and restoration, keeping both the Renaissance building and its surrounding parkland authentic for future generations of visitors.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and summer show the park at its most lush, making a walk through the 50-hectare grounds and a visit to the restored hamlet especially rewarding. Autumn offers a quieter pace for exploring and a chance to see the estate's old trees take on more muted colours.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Château de Caumont from Toulouse? About 35 minutes by car, which is one of the reasons it's a popular day-trip destination from the city.

Who built the current château? The 1525–1535 reconstruction is credited to Pierre de Nogaret, with the architectural design attributed to Toulouse architect Nicolas Bachelier.

Which notable historical figure is linked to Caumont? Jean-Louis de Nogaret, Duke of Épernon, was born at the château — admiral of France and a close ally of kings Henri III and Henri IV.

What else is there to do besides visiting the château itself? The estate offers walks through a 50-hectare park with centuries-old trees (including an oak around 450 years old), overnight stays in the restored hamlet, and an escape-game experience.