History of the Chateau de Gudanes

      The Château de Gudanes (altitude 600 m) was built  for the Marquis Louis Gaspard de Sales in 1750 (after 10 years of construction). It  is certainly  the most beautiful 18th century château in  the department of the Ariège and perhaps within the top five of the most spectacular châteaux in the Midi- Pyrenees region of France.

    The Marquis intended to live and receive sumptuously in his château fit for a grand 'Seigneur'. Passionately interested in his ancient nobility and nicknamed for his splendour 'The King of the Pyrenees', he was Baron of Château-Verdun and Aston, Seigneur of Montgaillard, Luzenac as well as many other places. The Marquis at that time owned all the land between the château and Andorra. In his new demeure, he invited the finest noblesse of the  region and it is said that when the Duke of Levis-Mirepoix arrived at Gudanes after sunset, his host, to honor him, lit the arrival of his carriage with torches carried by porters  leading up to the château. Louis Gaspard de Sales also played the role of patron to the arts and he entertained during the summer artists and writers at the château.

    All of the original construction remains intact. The main walls of the château are nearly 1m thick. Internally there are some exceptionally fine features such as a 'Music Room' with its stucco and gold leafing as well as several fine painted ceilings and the main staircase leading to the first floor.

    In 1963 the château finally passed out of family hands and was sold . It was run for several  years as a 'colonie de vacances' or a holiday centre for children by the department of the Tarn and Garonne. It was later sold to its current owners.