From the XIIth to the XXth century the castle was owned by one family: the Gontaut-Birons, of which certain members knew glory and others disgrace.

At the beginning of the XIIIth century the catholics and the cathars fought over the buildings and it was Simon de Montfort who brought an end to their rivalry in 1214.

During the Hundred Years War the castle suffered badly at the hands of the continuing conflicts between different factions. It was following one of these incidents that the English Tower was damaged by a great fire.

At the end of the XVth century two of the Gontaut brothers restored the castle in a combination of the Italian Renaissance and a Flamboyant Late Gothic style.

The long and costly works were not finished when the Wars of Religion began.

Armand de Gontaut, Marshal of France, valiantly served Henry IV and was killed at the siege of Epernay. His son, Charles de Biron, was also Marshal of France and a follower of the king’s cause. But believing that he was badly rewarded for his services, he conspired with Savoy and Spain against France and was captured, condemned to death and beheaded.

The castle remained empty until the XVIIIth century when the king’s favour was once more bestowed upon the family and the restoration and decoration of the castle was at last completed.

Notable is the fine loggia with double columns opening onto a stone staircase — much in fashion at Versailles.

Other restoration works were undertaken in the XIXth century in the style of Viollet le Duc.

The juxtaposition of different styles is what makes this monument remarkable. It has been and is still used as a setting for many films.