Loubens Castle

The fortified castle was founded by the ancient Loubens family, originally from La Réole in the Gironde region. The knight Guillaume de Loubens departed for the First Crusade in 1096 alongside Raymond IV of Saint-Gilles, Count of Toulouse. During the Middle Ages, the history of Loubens became intertwined with that of the Cathar heresy: Dame Berbéguièra, wife of the Lord of Loubens, declared to the inquisitor Ferrier in 1243 that she had "often visited the Cathar perfecti in their houses." During the "golden age" of pastel production, Jacques de Loubens , a brilliant military leader and wealthy man, expanded the residence. His brother, Hugues de Verdalle , born in Loubens in 1531, became Grand Master of the Order of Malta in 1582, a Cardinal, and a Prince.