Château-musée Henri-IV

About the museum

The château of Nérac was built in the 14th century on the banks of the Baïse, in a fortified town. From 1491 Alain d'Albret modernised it and added three wings. Several notable figures stayed there, including Marguerite of Navarre, the humanist Jacques Lefèvre d'Étaples and Jeanne d'Albret. The future Henri IV lived there for about ten years with Marguerite de Valois, to whom the Allée des 3000 Pas in the Garenne park is attributed.

After Henri IV's death in 1610, the château declined, first as a result of royal reprisals against Protestants and then during the Revolution, in 1793, when it became national property. Only the north wing, with its twisted Renaissance columns, survives. The building was then divided among several owners.

The town bought back the entire site in 1925 and restored it to house a municipal museum. The museum mentions a restoration project by Viollet-le-Duc and displays his sketches. On the second floor, the permanent exhibition covers Henri IV and the House of Albret; the first floor presents daily life in the Renaissance.

Highlights

• Renaissance north wing and its twisted columns
• Exhibition on Henri IV and the House of Albret
• Scent trail with about twenty Renaissance fragrances
• Viollet-le-Duc restoration sketches
• King's Gardens and the Allée des 3000 Pas

Permanent exhibitions

• Henri IV et la maison d'Albret – The second floor traces the history of the château, the Albrets and the future Henri IV.
• La vie quotidienne à la Renaissance – The first floor presents several themes of Renaissance life, with interactive modules and scents.

Founded

1872

Operated by

Ville de Nérac

Admission & discounts

Also free for holders of certain press, guide or tourism cards.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is no lift: the second floor (history of the château and the Albrets) is reached by stairs only, and only part of the first floor is accessible. A reserved parking space is near the entrance, at the corner of rue Henri IV and place de l'Hôtel de Ville. A video intercom lets visitors alert reception. Accompanied visits can be arranged by reservation. Raised tactile boards and Braille are available on request, along with support for visitors with intellectual disabilities (by reservation). Walking sticks with seats are lent free of charge.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available

The château is part of the Môm'Art network and the Musée Joyeux charter. Interactive modules let children play building games, try on Renaissance costumes and learn calligraphy. Activity booklets for 3- to 6-year-olds and 7- to 12-year-olds (€0.50) and an urban treasure hunt (€3) are sold at reception. Strollers are banned throughout the building; the museum recommends a baby carrier.

Getting there & parking

Nérac is about 1 hour 30 minutes from Bordeaux and Toulouse. The château is on rue Henri IV, in the heart of the town.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

An open-access bookshop at the end of the visit sells books on Henri IV and the Renaissance, souvenirs, fine foods and stationery. Large bags (over 50 x 40 x 25 cm) are not allowed; umbrellas can be left in the stands provided.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit