Château de Clermont-Savès

Château de Clermont-Savès is an 18th-century manor house in the commune of Clermont-Savès, in the Gers department of Occitanie, now run as an elegant guesthouse.

What stood here before the current château?

A lordship at this site can be traced back to the 12th century, though the medieval stronghold that once occupied the ground was razed completely. Nothing of that earlier fortress survives above ground today, and the estate's story really begins with the building that replaced it three centuries later.

When and why was the present building constructed?

Work on the château started in 1770, commissioned by Louis-Antoine de Vic, who chose to clear the old fortress site entirely rather than adapt it. Construction stalled before completion, most likely for financial reasons on his part, and in 1788 the unfinished house was sold to the Chevalier de Bernier. It was Bernier who saw the project through, bringing in Jean-Arnaud Raymond, a respected architect from Toulouse, to finish the design.

What does the architecture look like inside?

The finished château is a rectangular building raised over extensive vaulted cellars. Its grand hall is one of the standout features, with a ceiling supported by fluted columns topped with Doric capitals. A large oval reception room opens directly onto the surrounding park, while a square drawing room and an adjoining boudoir are decorated with late 18th-century stucco work depicting mythological and romantic scenes - a style typical of the period's finer country houses.

Who owned the château over the centuries?

The Bernier family held the property for well over a century, until 1905. In 1937 it passed to the wife of Jean Montariol, a noted architect whose Art Deco buildings left a lasting mark on Toulouse. That transition connects the estate to a very different, twentieth-century chapter of regional architectural history, even though the château itself retained its 18th-century form and decoration.

Is the château officially protected?

Yes. It was listed as a monument historique on 14 March 1977, a designation that covers its facades, roofs, and the most significant interior spaces, including the reception hall and the stucco-decorated rooms. This status places it among the recognized historic residences of the Gers countryside.

What can visitors experience today?

The château now operates as chambres d'hôtes, offering guest rooms and suites decorated in a Palladian style. The interiors have been carefully refurbished to preserve their historic proportions and detailing while providing comfortable accommodation. Staying here means sleeping within rooms that still carry their late-18th-century character, with the surrounding park adding to the sense of place - a fitting base for exploring the wider Gers countryside.

Where exactly is it located?

Clermont-Savès sits in the Gers department, part of the Occitanie region in southwestern France, an area known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and traditional Gascon architecture. The château makes a convenient starting point for travelers wanting to discover the region's rural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the current château built? Construction began in 1770 and was completed after 1788 under architect Jean-Arnaud Raymond.

Who was the main architect behind the château? Jean-Arnaud Raymond, a well-known Toulouse-based architect hired by the Chevalier de Bernier.

Can you visit the château? It operates as a guesthouse (chambres d'hôtes), so access is mainly available to overnight guests.

Is the building a listed historic monument? Yes, it has been registered as a monument historique since 14 March 1977.