The historical origins

The Losse family came from Flanders in the 11th century and subsequently built a stronghold on the Vézère right bank. From that time they belonged to the feudal hierarchy. Later on, their allegiance went to the King of France.

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The Hall was built in 1576 inside the medieval fortress by Jean II, Marquess of Losse (1504-1580)
 

Jean II de Losse

A great soldier, his loyalty to the Crown was the source of his military and social good fortune. He was page of François I, served all the sons of Catherine de Medicis and was tutor of Henri IV.

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As a courtier he saw the prevalent Renaissance criteria used in contemporary buildings in Paris and elsewhere. At the end of his career he returned to Périgord as General governor of Limousin and Guyenne. The changes he then made to his ancestral home were in accordance with the taste of the times, while retaining a countrylike sobriety. 

Civil and military architecture

Throughout his military career he had great experience in defending royal places against Charles V imperial troops. This was put to use to adapt the defensive apparel of Losse since the religious wars still raged and civil unrest was endemic.

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This can be seen from the various openings for cannons and culverins and the insertion of a turret on the corner of the South-west walls.

Memorial stones

In many places the visitor will notice ‘’mottos’’ incorporated in the construction and engraved in the stone.

As a contemporary of Montaigne, Jean II de Losse also wished to leave catchwords that echoed the events of his life. This great soldier and courtier close to Queen Marguerite de Valois was also an erudite who appreciated a literary environment. He was known by contemporary writers such as Pierre de Laval-Montmorency who dedicated his work to Losse.

On the Gatehouse the visitor will read : "Man does as he may, Fortune (fate) as she wills".