This French Château Is on the Market—and It Costs Nothing

This medieval French château is for sale near the Pyrenees on the Spanish border. If you dream of living the life of yesteryear, it may be time to pack your bags with your favorite princess or nobleman outfits, fly to France, and go pick up the keys to this property. The best part is—you won’t have to pay a dime. But, as you may expect, there are some strings that come with this opportunity.

The ruins of what’s known as “Little Versailles,” whose structure has seen better days—but still has the capacity for some rehabilitation.

Photo: Arno Lagrange / Wikimedia Commons

A castle with rich history

Listed as a historic monument in 1989, Château de Lagarde, nicknamed the “Little Versailles of the Pyrenees” is located in Ariège, a region in southern France bordering Andorra. The castle was built in the 11th century and was looted during the French Revolution. An estimated 10,000 visitors used to travel to the site every year—but this summer, and for the foreseeable future, the structure will be closed to the public. Although some parts of the castle were free and open to the public before its recent closure, visitors had to pay to see other sections, including the badly damaged tower. Over time, the building, which wasn’t maintained—much less restored—has deteriorated. Experts have noted wear and tear on the foundations, and the centuries-old building is now in danger of collapsing.

What used to be a pride of France now asks for a buyer to help restore it to its former glory.

Photo: Arno Lagrange / Wikimedia Commons

What’s the catch?

Now, this abandoned French château could be yours, though there is the risk that it may prove to be a royal headache. Originally constructed in the Middle Ages, the building has a remarkable array of defenses to repel enemies and protect its inhabitants. Its current owners are reluctantly parting with it, however, as the site has become dangerous, and the association that looks after it doesn’t have the funds to undertake a restoration. The local Department of Cultural Affairs has decided to suspend visits until restructuring work can be carried out. “We’re disappointed and angry. We’re being asked to carry out work on the château, but it’s in ruins,” a spokesperson for the association told the television network France 3. “It’s impossible. It would cost millions of euros to make the castle fully accessible,” added a volunteer.

In the meantime, even though visits to the castle itself have been suspended, the association plans to allow people to continue to access the grounds of the historic site during organized events. “If anyone wants it, they can have it,” concludes the association’s chairman. “But the reality is that no one wants to take on this enormous financial burden. There are dozens and dozens of châteaux in this condition in France.” Maybe, however, you’re the person to step up and become the lord or lady of this castle, and save part of France’s cultural heritage at the same time.