Musée-château Gaston Phébus
Medieval fortress of Mauvezin, developed by Gaston Fébus, with a 37 m keep, exhibition rooms and guided tours for groups.
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About the museum
The castle of Mauvezin is first mentioned in a text dated March 12, 1083, a peace pact in Bigorre. Originally it was a wooden tower built on an artificial mound, probably in the 11th century, surrounded by palisades. Located on the border between several countries, it served as a pledge to guarantee peace and was contested during the Hundred Years’ War; it was besieged in 1373. In 1379 it was given to Gaston Fébus, who added it to his land of Nébouzan.
Gaston Fébus had the 37-metre-high keep built and raised the ramparts. Jean de Foix-Grailly then converted the fortress into a county residence. After his death the castle was hardly used any more, except as a prison during the Wars of Religion. At the Revolution it became the property of the commune, and local inhabitants used it as a quarry.
In 1862 the deputy Achille Jubinal bought it to restore it, but could not begin the work. His heirs sold it in 1906 to Albin Bibal, who carried out consolidation work to open it to the public. On March 28, 1907 he gave it to the association Escòla Gaston Febus, which still owns it and carries out a large restoration programme there.
Today the visit includes the inner courtyard with replicas of siege machines, several rooms showing life in the Middle Ages, two video rooms on the history of the castle and its restoration, and three permanent exhibitions. A shop completes the visit.
Highlights
- 37 m keep built by Gaston Fébus
- Inner courtyard with replicas of siege machines
- Three permanent exhibitions: Gaston Fébus, the Occitan language, the sky
- Two video rooms on the history and restoration of the castle
- Medieval animations on Sundays and public holidays in summer
Permanent exhibitions
- Exposition permanente sur Gaston Fébus – Exhibition on Gaston Fébus, the lord who completed the castle.
- Exposition permanente sur la langue occitane – Presentation of the Occitan language.
- Exposition permanente sur le ciel – Discovering the sky, from Gaston Fébus’s time to the present day.
- Operated by
- Association Escòla Gaston Febus
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7.50Students and holders of the Pass Baronnies & Cie |
| Children & teens | €6.50Rate for children aged 4 to 12. |
| Students & apprentices | €7.50 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €7.50 per personAdult groups of 10 or more; €5.50 per child for children’s groups. |
The Pass Baronnies & Cie gives a reduced rate at partner sites: the first visit is paid at full price, subsequent ones at the reduced rate, once per site and per year. The castle is also a partner of the Pass Culture.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The castle is not accessible to wheelchair users. Dogs on a lead are allowed.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free parking.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop with gifts and books on literature, history and art.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Self-guided visit with a visitor guide in French, English, German, Spanish, Dutch and Occitan, and information panels in four languages. Guided tours for groups of 10 or more, by reservation, in French, English, Spanish or Occitan depending on availability. The castle offers schools guided visits and themed days with workshops (heraldry, archaeology, measures and coins). |
