Château de Saint-Béat
The Château de Saint-Béat is a ruined castle in the "commune" of Saint-Béat-Lez in the Haute-Garonne "département" of France. History. The castle dates from the 12th century. It was enlarged by Henri IV (1553 – 1610). Rulers rarely lived in Saint-Béat; the castle was occupied by captains until the 16th century. In 1588, the Parlement of Toulouse passed a law that required the inhabitants of Melles, Argut and Arlos by turns to guard the castle, subject to a fine of 500 "écus". The castle never had to repel invasions, though its strategic  position close to the Spanish border led to it being described as ""la clef de France"" (the key to France). Description. The castle was surrounded by two "enceintes". The keep measures 5 metres by 5 and had two storeys. The castle provides views over the village and the Garonne valley.