Citadel Navarrenx

The origins of Navarrenx date back to the early 14th century when the site was developed into a bastide with a characteristic grid street plan and a central square. In 1523, the town suffered the destruction of its fortifications by the troops of Philibert de Chalons. In the 16th century, a comprehensive reconstruction and transformation into a citadel, modeled after the Tuscan city of Lucca, was initiated by the King of Navarre. Its military significance was demonstrated in 1569 when Huguenots successfully resisted French troops for months until relief arrived. King Louis XIII visited the citadel in 1620 on the occasion of the union of Navarre with France, during which he also seized the treasures of the Kings of Navarre. In 1814, Napoleonic troops defended the fortress against Arthur Wellesley. The military use of the citadel finally ended in 1871 with its decommissioning and the dissolution of the garrison.

The Citadel of Navarrenx is situated in the municipality of Navarrenx in the Finistère department, within the Brittany region of France, at an elevation of approximately 126 meters above sea level.

Today, the citadel is accessible to visitors and can be explored, allowing its well-preserved walls and historic complex to be discovered.

• Château de Pau (Castle), approx. 31.5 km away
• Citadelle de Mendiguren (Fortress), approx. 42.3 km away
• Château de Espelette (Castle), approx. 55.5 km away
• Château-Neuf (Castle), approx. 60.2 km away