The
Principality of Bidache was from 1570 to 1793 a small feudal state in the south west of modern-day
France. The sovereignty of Bidache was proclaimed by Count Antoine de Gramont in 1570. The counts of Gramont had formerly been
vassals of the
King of Navarre however they had last paid
tribute in 1434 and considered themselves relieved of their
fealty. The principality maintained
de jure sovereignty until 1790 when by royal edict the territory of the principality was declared to be a part of France by
Louis XVI. In 1793 the principality was occupied by troops loyal to the
First French Republic and the last reigning prince, Antoine VII, was ousted. The royal and noble
Gramont dynasty survives to the present day.