In the attic of Cadillac Castle, the first women’s prison in France still exists

His story has long been hidden from the public. In addition, many Girondins do not know the first women’s prison open in France. It was located in Cadillac (Gironde). Precisely the castle of the Duke of Epernonwhich it stores within its walls previous heavy prison.

The story begins with its purchase by the State in 1818. When it was abandoned in 19.^e century, badly damaged by the Revolution, the government decided to open a women’s prison there. On the facade of the glorious castle, we can read “The main house of power and adjustment”.

A detention center suitable for long-term sentences. More than a whole century that will be open, will welcome, in Cadillac, almost 10,000 women have been detained. For example in 1865, 500 prisoners live filled with floors in 14 dormitories.

The highest death rate in France

Of volume of or blood crimethe latter are subject to the unenforceable laws of chateau-prison.

They submit to iron discipline in silence. The living conditions there are difficult. Complete silence is imposed, forced labor, lack of heat and cleanliness, lack of food … Cadillac Prison is the main house where the death rate is one of the highest in France.

Others also say that the young women were subjected to harassment and sexual abuse. Others, that they worked in the vineyards for free to help the then owners maintain their farms. What is certain is that these prisoners must work twelve hours a day, six days a week.

From 1835, women are supervised by monks living in a castle. Then, it will close its doors after the number of prisoners decreases. However, the fear does not stop … The building then became, in 1891, a boarding school for young girls. In other words, a prison for children.

A prison converted into a juvenile prison

From the age of 6they can be sent to a conservation school roaming, sexual relations and boy, or quite simply, because They are very expensive to feed. The conditions of life have not changed. The story repeats itself. “Mistreatment and isolation are always the main part of the ward,” writes the cage in the attic where the memories of this period are kept.

In 1928, the mutineers set fire to the northern part of the fort. A cry of distress. They get a few activities: sewing, gardening, mattress repair, etc. But for the slightest mistake, they are excluded.

Two suicides cause the establishment to close

The status of the school changed at the end of the Second World War to a “public institution of controlled education”. Convicted by the court, young girls placed by the court’s decision, the nation’s wards… They gather in one place. This tragic story finally ended in 1951 after suicide of two girls between the castle walls…

The prison is open all year round like a fortress. A special day is planned on March 8. Therefore, the memorial changes its planning especially for this important day and offers a film tour of the castle-prison: Meet at 4 am for a tour of the history of the castle-prison. Then at 6pm at Cinélux for the screening of Captives by Arnaud des Pallières (with Mélanie Thierry, Josiane Balasko and Marina Foïs). Full price: €9/Reduced price (under 18): €5 Please dress appropriately/Bring an accompanying adult. Information and reservations at 05.56.62.69.58.

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