Exhibition "palais balène" - figeacNYMPHEUS LUMINANSIS, LES NYMPHEAS DE LA LUMIÈRE - WATERLILIES OF LIGHT by LAURENCE SAUNOIS © 2024
The Palais Balène in Figeac
History :
Founded by the Knights Templar, this was a fortified castle with a moat backing onto the town's ramparts. Around 1330, it became the property of the de Balène family, as a reward for services rendered to Philippe le Bel. In 1345, a fatal duel between the family's two brothers put an end to this ownership. Edward III, King of England and, at the time, master of Figeac, confiscated the castle in retaliation. In 1372, the castle was sold to the town's consuls.
The town in turn sold the castle Balène to the Counts of Armagnac. When Jean V d'Armagnac was executed in Lectoure, on the orders of King Louis XI, the château was returned to the town, thanks to Etienne Séguier.
In the chapel of St. Louis, the Sénéchal du Quercy held his assizes and the Viguier du Roi his tribunal.
During the Huguenot occupation, it served as a Protestant temple.
During the French Revolution, it became the Salle Saint Fargeau, in honor of the Conventionnel Le Pelletier de Saint Fargeau, assassinated by a bodyguard. It then served as a court and prison until 1880.
Later, the Palais Balène was used as a theater, cinema and meeting room. Today, it hosts a variety of cultural events.
Founded by the Knights Templar, this was a fortified castle with a moat backing onto the town's ramparts. Around 1330, it became the property of the de Balène family, as a reward for services rendered to Philippe le Bel. In 1345, a fatal duel between the family's two brothers put an end to this ownership. Edward III, King of England and, at the time, master of Figeac, confiscated the castle in retaliation. In 1372, the castle was sold to the town's consuls.
The town in turn sold the castle Balène to the Counts of Armagnac. When Jean V d'Armagnac was executed in Lectoure, on the orders of King Louis XI, the château was returned to the town, thanks to Etienne Séguier.
In the chapel of St. Louis, the Sénéchal du Quercy held his assizes and the Viguier du Roi his tribunal.
During the Huguenot occupation, it served as a Protestant temple.
During the French Revolution, it became the Salle Saint Fargeau, in honor of the Conventionnel Le Pelletier de Saint Fargeau, assassinated by a bodyguard. It then served as a court and prison until 1880.
Later, the Palais Balène was used as a theater, cinema and meeting room. Today, it hosts a variety of cultural events.
sources: "Figeac-en-Quercy" by André Sors and "Figeac, d'hier et d'aujourd'hui" by Aimé Noël
