Château de Bidache stands as a remarkable historical monument in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, serving as the former seat of the sovereign Principality of Bidache. Built as early as the 13th century by the lords of Gramont, the fortress originally functioned as the ceremonial residence of dukes and sustained damage from a devastating fire in 1523 caused by the troops of Charles V. Quickly rebuilt in Renaissance style with splendor recognized throughout the French kingdom, the castle experienced a final fire in 1796 before being restored and secured through accessibility work completed in 2012. From the top of its restored dungeon, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panorama over the Bidouze valley and the distant Pyrenees mountains.
