The family of Gramont was a
Navarrese medieval noble house and owned the chateau of Bidache. They held land in
Lower Navarre and in neighbouring
Gascony, part of the kingdom of France. As their liege lords, the kings of Navarre, they played an active role in French politics. The last heiress of the house, Claire de Gramont (died in 1534) wed Menaut d'Aure and their son Antoine took the name Gramont rather than d'Aure. Antoine de Gramont was a leading noblemen in south-west France during the
Wars of Religion. At first, a Calvinist and lieutenant general to
Queen Jeanne d'Albret, he switched sides to Catholicism and King Charles IX's service. He was created Count of
Guiche in 1563. Antoine de Gramont was also the first Gramont to claim sovereignty over the
Principality of Bidache. His grandson, also named Antoine de Gramont, viceroy of Navarra, was created Duke of Gramont in 1643. Another famous member of the ducal house was
Philibert de Gramont (1621–1707), younger son of the first Duke. ==Counts of Guiche==