Wars

The wars of religion with the Protestants fighting against the Catholics broke out during this economic growth context.

In 1568, before the restoration of Notre-Dame church (in 1899), the military leader Montalmat and the Calvinists wreaked great havoc. They destroyed the Monestary of the Cordeliers and the Notre Dame church. The furniture and statues were also burnt.

In 1636, Richelieu pulled down the walls and the advanced tower. In 1653, the donjon was demolished with the agreement of the Casteljalousains who thus were exempted from the upkeep of  the garrison. The Notre Dame' church was rebuilt only in 1682 thanks to the stones of the destroyed fortifications. Born de Belair who was the first architect didn' t see the end of rebuilding. He was buried under a tombstone which is visible on a side bank of the church.

In 1711, the 21 metres high vault ( 22.96 yds ) was completed. Then works started again only in 1774 because of the lack of money.

In 1900, the front was renovated. The device of the Republican state which funded the works was written on the pediment " Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" ( Freedom, Equability, Fraternity ). In spite of a long restoration, a great style unit emerges from this imposing building which is now listed on the inventory of Historic Buildings.