Our story begins in the heart of Gascony, in the Gers region of southwestern France—land nestled between the Pyrenees and the Garonne Valley, bordered by the Landes and the Toulouse area. This is the birthplace of d’Artagnan, and a region long known as the cradle of soldiers—some of whom would become generals and marshals. They were famously known as the “Cadets of Gascony.”
In noble families, tradition dictated that the eldest son inherited the land and title, the second pursued a military career, and the youngest often entered the clergy. The Gascon word capdèth (chief or captain) gave rise to the French word cadet, meaning a younger son. Over time, the term came to refer more broadly to young noblemen of modest means who chose the path of the sword. The phrase was later popularized by Edmond Rostand in his play Cyrano de Bergerac.
Dumas' world
Far from their native Gascony, these fiery young soldiers often found themselves at the center of duels—strictly forbidden at the time. In Paris, they formed a close-knit brotherhood built on loyalty and mutual support. This spirit of solidarity was encouraged by successive monarchs—Henri IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV—who sought fiercely loyal men at their side. Alexandre Dumas drew inspiration from this mindset to create the legendary motto of the Musketeers: “All for one, and one for all!”
Antoine de Roquelaure (1543–1625)
Though largely forgotten by history, Antoine de Roquelaure was one of the most important military and political figures in 17th-century France. Owner of the Château de Lavardens, he initiated its reconstruction beginning in 1608.
Born into an old noble family dating back to the 12th century, Roquelaure was the third son and as such he was initially destined for the Church. He abandoned this path to pursue a military career, entering the service of Queen Jeanne of Navarre.
At the age of eighteen he became a close companion of the future King Henri IV, who recognized his sharp mind and unwavering loyalty. Roquelaure quickly proved himself on the battlefield and, through his proximity to the king, played a key role in mediating with factions of the Catholic League in the war against Protestantism.
In recognition of his services, he was granted numerous titles and offices: Master of the Royal Wardrobe, Knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit, Captain of Fontainebleau and Mayor of Bordeaux, among others. In 1613, while retaining his position as governor of Lectoure, he began to withdraw from public life and devoted himself to improving his estates.
Roquelaure’s destiny is closely tied to the major events of his time. He was in the carriage with Henri IV when the king was assassinated by Ravaillac in May 1610. During the regency of Marie de’ Medici, he was called upon to restore order in rebellious cities. In 1614 Louis XIII appointed him Marshal of France. Among his children, Gaston-Jean-Baptiste would become the first Duke of Roquelaure and a Peer of France.
Jean-Louis de Nogaret de La Valette, Duke of Épernon (1554–1642)
Born into a military family, Jean-Louis de Nogaret de La Valette was one of the most powerful royal favorites of his time. Ambitious and politically astute from a young age, he remained a close friend of Antoine de Roquelaure throughout his life.
During the Wars of Religion, he took part in the first siege of La Rochelle (1572–1573), where he caught the attention of King Henri III and quickly rose in royal favour. He amassed numerous high-ranking titles, including Colonel General of the French Infantry, Duke and Peer of France.
In 1589 he pledged loyalty to Henri of Navarre, the future Henri IV. However, his allegiance remained ambiguous—though outwardly loyal, he retained close ties to Catholic and League circles, complicating his relationship with the new king.
Despite his age he was wounded in battle in 1621, demonstrating his continued military commitment. When Louis XIII created the company of the Musketeers on horseback in 1622, he personally requested that Épernon provide six of his guards to form the core of this elite unit.
As Cardinal Richelieu’s power rose Épernon’s influence waned. Opposed to the centralization of royal authority and the cardinal’s reforms, he grew increasingly isolated. His political authority was gradually undermined, and he was eventually forced to withdraw from public life. He died in 1642, one of the last great favorites of a fading era in which powerful dukes still rivaled royal authority.
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