So I bring you back to the deep south of my belle France. Always fascinating the rounds by car into off the beaten paths territory, and we love it. On many occasions we passed by towns unknownly and find gems never before seen or even heard of. As said , we have so much treasure here and it shows by the number of visitors. Doing my road warrior trips in the south we came upon this town and castle and kept it interesting for a future return.
I have mentioned briefly but need to have a post on its own, well deserve me think. Therefore, here is my take on the Château de Maÿtie or aka (also known as) Andurain (the family owners). And of course this is in Mauléon-Licharre!!!
Mauléon-Licharre is located in the heart of the historical province of Soule, at the foot of the Pyrenees. Mauléon, an old feudal town, is built on the right bank of the Saison river or gave of Mauléon, at the foot of a hill where the ruins of the castle rise. In 1261, Prince Edward I of England made a demonstration of force on the site, which prompted the Viscounts of Soule to submit. He then decided, in order to establish his power, the fortification of certain cities, in Soule, Villeneuve-lès-Tardets (now Tardets-Sorholus) and Mauléon which became a Bastide.
Mauléon was chief town of district in the department of Basse-Pyrenees (became Pyrénées-Atlantiques in 1969) in 1793 then chief town of district and canton in 1801. In 1841, Mauléon absorbs Licharre and becomes Mauléon-Licharre. Mauléon-Licharre was chief town of district and sub-prefecture until 1926. Currently Mauléon-Licharre, is chief town of canton in the district of Oloron-Sainte-Marie.
The Château of Maÿtie aka Andurain was built at the end of the 16C. The castle was built by Arnaud de Maÿtie, named bishop of Oloron by king Henry IV in 1598 with the mission to restore the Catholic worship in a diocese with Protestant majority. In 1661, the revolt of priest Matalas led to the destruction of one of the four towers of the castle, which was never rebuilt. The castle, never sold, is kept in the same family since its construction. The Château de Maÿtie is owned by the Andurain family of Azémar de Fabrègues.
The Renaissance Andurain castle dates back to the 16C mullioned and pediment windows, a rare frame inside, in triple hull of overturned nave, original furniture, armchairs, chests of drawers, carved fireplaces, 17C tables and pedestal tables 18C, and a library that will allow you to see books of the 16-17C. The family of Maytie who built it, giving three bishops to the Church, participated in the restoration of religious peace in the diocese.
The castle has a rectangular shape, flanked at each corner by a square tower. The architecture is of Renaissance style, with a facade particularly remarkable for its elegance , mullioned and pediment windows, broken arches lightening the lines, masks, wrought balcony. This facade forms the counterpoint to the imposing three-story roof of chestnut shingles. Only three towers survive from the original four towers, the fourth having been burned and then shot down during the revolt of the priest Matalas in 1661.
The interior is distinguished by a straight flight staircase with an elegant armature, serving all floors. The large living room on the ground floor and the bishop’s room on the first floor have carved Baroque fireplaces, inset a medallion with the arms of the bishop and a portrait of Arnaud de Maÿtie.
It is open to the public from July 1st to September 15 every year. Every day at 11h, 15h, 16h15 ,and 18h30, except Thursdays and Sunday mornings. From September 15 to October 15 on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 16h. Still in private hands, contact the castle directly for a visit at Tel +33 (0) 5 59 28 04 18 or email: chateau.d-andurain@orange.fr . Location is at 1, rue du Jeu-de-Paume , 64130 Mauléon-Licharre.
Some webpages to help you plan your trip here are
City of mauleon LIcharre on heritage
Tourist office dept 64 Pyrénées Atlantiques on the Castle of Andurain
Hope you enjoy this off the beaten path tour of my deep France, the real local sublime gorgeous and gastronomic delights! This is the town of Mauléon-Licharre in the old Soule of my old belle France.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 