Chateau de Valmirande is a historic castle located in the town of Lourdes in southwestern France. The castle was built in the 19th century and is known for its grand architecture and picturesque gardens.
The castle was originally built as a summer residence for a wealthy businessman named François Carrère. Carrère commissioned the architect Antoine-Nicolas Bailly to design the castle in a Neo-Renaissance style, complete with turrets, towers, and ornate details.
Over the years, the castle changed hands several times and was used for a variety of purposes, including as a hotel, a casino, and a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. In the early 20th century, the castle was purchased by a wealthy American couple, Mr. and Mrs. Cole, who renovated it and used it as their personal residence.
Today, Chateau de Valmirande is open to the public for tours and special events. Visitors can admire the castle's elegant interiors, including its grand entrance hall, ornate staircase, and sumptuous reception rooms. The castle's gardens, which were designed in the English style, are also a highlight, with their picturesque paths, fountains, and sculptures.