The Chateau de Batz

During the 13th century, the first traces of a guard tower appeared on the grounds known as 'de Batz'. It is unknown whether the tower or the village 'Castillon-Debats', whose spelling fluctuates throughout the centuries, appeared first. The village was the cradle of the 'lords of Batz de Castillon', which has today disappeared..

The most famous of these lords is without a doubt Manaud III de Batz Leaumont, lord of Batz, Suberbies, and Sainte Cristie. Manaud III distinguished himself during the Siege of Eauze, by saving the life of King Henry IV who in turn wrote Manaud two letters to thank him, in which he calls him "his reaper" (archives of Tarbes). Manaud's son, Hercule, died without descendents around 1650.

The chateau was first purchased by the family of Lin de Marsan and then later repurchased by Lord Francois de Ferragut-Montus on June 20, 1732. His descendants still reside there today.

The Chateau de Batz was heavily damaged during the French Revolution. It was predominantly during the 19th century that the Chateau de Batz was enlarged and embellished by each successive proprietor, namely the assertive and caring women who fought to look after, safeguard, and pass on this beautiful property.