Yves Gastou’s Enchanting Castle in Biarritz: A Time Capsule of Art and History
Nestled in the outskirts of Biarritz, France, lies the Ermitage de Douce-amie, a whimsical castle with a storied past. Purchased by French gallerist Yves Gastou in 1990, the castle exudes an air of nostalgia and charm, transporting visitors to a bygone era.
Originally built in 1900 as a retirement home for a member of Napoleon III’s imperial court, the castle captured Gastou’s imagination with its crenelated turrets and faded pale blue facade. For Gastou, the castle was a summer retreat where he could indulge in his love for romantic fantasies of knights and fortified towers.
Over the years, Gastou meticulously restored the castle, preserving its original charm while adding modern amenities like a lap pool and upgraded kitchen. Each room in the castle was a treasure trove of eclectic collections, from Cubist midcentury furniture to ancient religious relics.
Now, as Gastou’s son, Victor, prepares to auction off the castle’s contents at Sotheby’s in Paris, a new chapter is set to begin. Victor plans to renovate the castle and create new memories with his own family, honoring his father’s legacy of collecting beauty in all its forms.
The Ermitage de Douce-amie is not just a castle; it is a living testament to Yves Gastou’s passion for art, history, and the magic of the past. As the castle prepares to embrace the 21st century, it will continue to enchant visitors with its timeless allure and captivating stories.
