It’s estimated that there are greater than 45,000 châteaux (castles) in France. Some, like Château de Versailles. Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Chambord have been fantastically restored; nonetheless, there are a lot of which can be nonetheless in ruins and for me, are simply as stunning. Whether or not it’s getting panoramic views from up excessive or strolling by way of the remaining construction of a fort, there’s something particular about visiting the ruins. On this publish I’m highlighting 8 châteaux within the south of France (Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur areas) that I’ve visited and extremely suggest you go to.
8 Fascinating Citadel Ruins In The South Of France
Earlier than diving into the record, right here’s how I outline what qualifies as a ‘break’ for this publish.
Every fort has its personal story, and as you discover, you’ll get a glimpse of each its previous grandeur and the marks time has left behind. Châteaux in France had been as soon as grand residences—some fortified for defence, others purely constructed for standing and luxury. At this time, many lie partially or utterly in ruins as a consequence of battle (just like the French Revolution or World Warfare II), historic occasions, neglect, or easy decay over time. Once you go to, you would possibly discover crumbling towers, lacking roofs, or whole sections open to the sky. And but, what stays nonetheless offers perception into the château’s former glory. A number of have been calmly restored to assist guests think about what they as soon as seemed like.
In every description, I’ll share a little bit of historical past, what led to its present state, and why I feel it’s definitely worth the go to. Listed below are the 8 I’m spotlighting:
- Château de Queribus
- Château de Peyrepertuse
- Château de Najac
- Château de Calmont d’Olt
- Château de Lagarde
- Château des Baux-de-Provence
- Château de Brousse
- Château d’If
Click on on the map or on this hyperlink and also you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all of the locations on this publish.
1. Château de Queribus: A Cathar Stronghold in Ruins
Location: Cucugnan (Division: Aude)
A Brief Historical past
Within the Aude division of Occitanie, Château de Queribus is likely one of the “5 Sons of Carcassonne” —-one of 5 castles (together with Peyrepertuse, Puylaurens, Aguilar and Termes) that had been located excessive within the French Pyrenees mountains.
Château de Queribus rises 728 metres and overlooks the Corbières hills and the Roussillon plain. It was completely located as a Cathar resistance and defence in opposition to the Spanish (Kingdom of Aragon) within the tenth century. Then, when the Catholic crusaders and the papal Inquisition got here, it grew to become a refuge for the Cathars. It’s thought-about the final stronghold of the Cathars.
Who Have been The Cathars?
The Cathars had been a spiritual motion within the Twelfth-14th centuries, primarily in southern France. They believed in two gods-one good and one evil (dualism) and so they rejected every little thing in regards to the Catholic church. Because of this, the Catholic church sought to crush them. The châteaux had been usually royal or noble fortresses and owned by lords who supported the Cathars. In the course of the inquisition, the Cathars had been eradicated.
From Fortress to Break
Château de Queribus was taken over by the French crusaders in 1255 and its significance diminished when the French determined to maneuver the borders additional south in 1659. Within the Fifties, restoration to the turret was executed and between 1998 and 2002 a whole restoration was carried out, however to be trustworthy, it certain doesn’t look restored!
Why Go to?
It took me about an hour to get to Château de Queribus from Prades the place I used to be primarily based throughout my Journey #33: 2 Months In France . Not solely was the drive to the château windy, however up prime, it was extremely gusty! You’ll little doubt be impressed by the enormity of the fort as you drive in the direction of it. Excessive above, perched on a mountain prime sits the château.
The stroll as much as the chateau was straightforward and never too steep. It took about quarter-hour. As soon as up prime, I needed to take my hat off or it could have blown away. Simply hold that in thoughts.
Whereas this château has been destroyed, sufficient has been restored that it’s protected to go to and is price visiting for the panoramic views. It’s a small château and I solely stayed an hour.
2. Château de Peyrepertuse
Location: Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse(Division: Aude)
A Brief Historical past
One of many “5 Sons of Carcassonne”, Château de Peyrepertuse is lower than quarter-hour away from Château de Queribus and is one other of the Cathar strongholds. It’s the largest, so in the event you’re going to go to one, you would possibly as properly go to each.
Peyrepertuse comes from “pèira pertusa” within the Occitan language and it means “pieced stone”. The chateau originated within the eleventh century and belonged to the Depend of Besalu and unfold over 300 metres over the rocky ridge at an altitude of 800 metres. It’s stated that it seemed like a big ship.
This château sits on a rocky spur of a mountain, overlooking the valley with a transparent view in each course. It has many fascinating stays of the interiors and tower and enclosed by a wall you could stroll round.
Why Was It Deserted?
The fort was repeatedly seized, rebuilt, and repurposed. In 1240, Louis IX took over Château de Peyrepertuse and it grew to become a royal fortress within the thirteenth century. One of many orders he gave to the Seneschal [governor or administrator] of Carcassonne was {that a} staircase resulting in the best level (the San Jordi Hold) be constructed.
Château de Peyrepertuse and Queribus had been the one two chateaux that may very well be considered from each other, making communication between them attainable. This proved to be helpful to offer advance warning about attackers.
However like Queribus, Château de Peyrepertuse’s significance decreased when the border was moved additional south. Because of this, the fort misplaced its strategic significance and was deserted in the course of the French Revolution.and fell into disrepair and break. In 1820 it was offered as a nationwide property and in 1908 grew to become a Historic Monument.
Why Go to?
Like the opposite Cathar fort, the drive towards Château de Peyrepertuse is spectacular. It sits excessive on a cliff of a rocky limestone ridge. I ended in Cucugnan first to have lunch. I couldn’t drive into city as vehicles weren’t allowed and there was no parking. I had the plat du jour for 10 € and after lunch walked to the chateau. It took about half-hour.
It’s a rather more troublesome hike than the one to Château de Queribus and the location is fairly “rugged” so not particularly protected for younger youngsters. Bear in mind to put on good strolling sneakers….even mountaineering boots since you’ll be strolling (and climbing) by way of a wooded space on a steep path that has stones and rocks. Additionally bear in mind to carry water.
The Saint-Louis staircase was carved into the rock and was lately restored. As soon as on the prime of the ruins, you’ll get wonderful 360° panoramic views of the panorama.
In my journal, I truly wrote that Château de Peyrepertuse was “unreal…maybe higher than Château des Baux-de-Provence?” I used to be duly impressed and stayed about 2 hours. As you possibly can see from the pictures, the climb up isn’t notably straightforward, however the views are dramatic and definitely worth the effort. And through excessive season, there are sometimes particular occasions and medieval festivals. There may be an audio information and an English pamphlet.
3. Forteresse Royale de Najac
Location: Najac (Division: Aveyron)
A Brief Historical past
I visited Najac en route between Albi and Libourne (NE of Bordeaux) and was glad I did. However, it’s the château at Najac, also called Forteresse Royale de Najac, actually, not the village of Najac that’s the attraction. The thirteenth century Château de Najac is constructed into the rock and teeters above the village. From the best level, you will get actually spectacular panoramic views of the Aveyron Gorges and valley. A number of the château has been preserved and restored, however a lot remains to be in ruins.
Inbuilt two phases, the primary was within the 1200s, by the counts of Toulouse as a defence. Then within the thirteenth century, the brother of King Louis, Alphonse de Poitiers suite the 130 foot excessive hold. It’s stated that because of the excessive place, 2 enclosures, a drawbridge, and defensive options, nobody ever tried to overhaul the château throughout these early centuries.
The Citadel’s Downfall
Along with enduring occupations in the course of the Hundred Years’ Warfare and Wars of Faith and even by the peasants within the 1600s (Revolt of the Croquants), it was actually after the 1640s that the fort fell into ruins and was deserted. It wasn’t till the nineteenth century that the rich Cibiel household purchased the chateau and commenced restoring it.
Why Go to?
I feel what makes Forteresse Royale de Najac so fascinating is it’s place on a rocky spur. Whether or not from the street beneath or up prime, the views are definitely worth the go to. The sections which were restored (ie. the chapel, hold (donjon), and secret passageway) are properly executed.
4. Château de Calmont d’Olt
Location: Espalion(Division: Aveyron)
A Brief Historical past
For nearly every week in Aveyron division, I stayed in close by Espalion (Journey #39) and on a regular basis once I seemed up I might see the partially ruined medieval fortress, Château de Calmont d’Olt excessive on a close-by hill. So in fact I needed to go to it.
Building on the château started within the eleventh century. It was to be a residence for the Lords of Calmont. An extra curtain wall enclosure and eight towers had been added within the fifteenth century in the course of the Hundred Years’ Warfare.
From Abandonment to Restoration
The fort fell into ruins starting within the seventeenth century when the house owners deserted it. In 1987, Thierry Plume bought the fort and commenced the restoration course of and in 1992 it was categorised as a historic monument.
Why Go to?
I might have pushed as much as the fort which is positioned 535 metres above Espalion; nonetheless, I made a decision to stroll there. It was a straightforward sufficient uphill journey and solely took me 45 minutes. To my shock, up prime was completely freezing. Though it was mid October and 18° C, the wind was very robust. One thing to bear in mind once you go to.
Admission was 6 € (off-season) and there have been many shows of medieval weapons within the courtyard and even an indication of the trebuchet, which is sort of like an enormous slingshot/catapult. Relying on the timing of your go to, you may as well see archery and different medieval weaponry demonstrations. Staff present their masonry and stone reducing expertise as properly. Excursions are additionally obtainable; nonetheless, I’m not certain if they’re simply in French.
You get wonderful 360° panoramic views of the land beneath (Espalion and the Lot valley), and there may be sufficient left of the ruins of this eleventh century fort which has not been restored. However you will get an concept of how huge this château was once. There may be actually just one “inside” room to go to. It has numerous artifacts and uniforms. What stays of the château is primarily exterior walls-well truly fragments of partitions, as most of them have partially collapsed, deteriorated, or crumbled.
5. Château de Lagarde
Location: Lagarde(Division: Ariège)
A Brief Historical past
I actually loved visiting Château de Lagarde as a result of it was so fascinating. The unique fortress was constructed within the eleventh century. From the thirteenth to seventeenth century, a lot work was put into establishing the “Versailles des Pyrénées”, full with French gardens, terraces, and ponds, identical to Versailles close to Paris.
Why It Fell Into Disrepair
By way of the centuries and particularly in the course of the French Revolution, the château was looted, destroyed, and fell into disrepair. It was even used as a stone quarry and whereas the volunteer group tried to lift funds to make repairs, it simply wasn’t sufficient. It was uncared for and left to crumble.
Why Go to?
In 2024 it was introduced that the château was on the market and obtainable for free, however with a catch. The customer would nonetheless must do restorations that would value a number of hundreds of thousands of Euros. Nonetheless ? Take a look at what stays of this very spectacular fort within the Ariège division: Spectacular Citadel Ruins: Château de Lagarde In The Ariège.
You’ll solely have the ability to go to the location when there are particular occasions. Guests are now not permitted to go to the château on self-guided excursions. There was an occasion July 6, 2025 the place the theme was classic vehicles and bikes. I can think about it was a picture-perfect day, with the ruins of Château de Lagarde offering an attractive setting for these basic autos.
6. Château des Baux-de-Provence
Location: Les Baux-de-Provence (Division: Bouches-du-Rhône)
A Brief Historical past
As I wrote on this publish, “Why You Ought to Go to Le Château des Baux-de-Provence”, the highly effective Baux household constructed the château on prime of a plateau—a fortress in truth—starting within the tenth century with a fortified city after which within the thirteenth century with a fort. It’s positioned not removed from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence within the Alpilles mountains, overlooking the city of Les Baux-de-Provence.
The Citadel’s Destruction
Château des Baux-de-Provence was concerned in lots of battles ensuing within the destruction (and reconstruction) by way of the centuries. In 1426, the final Princess of Baux died with out an inheritor and the fort was handed to the rely’s estates after which to the Crown.
Sadly, extra unrest continued with a siege by Cardinal Richelieu beneath orders from King Louis XIII in 1632. From then on, the château fell into disrepair.
Why Go to?
The city, Les Baux, grew to become a vacationer attraction within the twentieth century because of the artwork outlets and exhibitions and quite a few eating places, such because the Michelin-starred restaurant L’Oustau de Baumanière. [Often highlighted in the 1980s television show, “Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous”].
In the summertime, the château has many medieval siege weapons on show and demonstrations. And close by you possibly can go to the well-known Les Carrières des Lumières, the place immersive artwork exhibitions are projected on the limestone quarry partitions.
7. Château de Brousse
Location: Brousse-le-Château (Division: Aveyron)
A Brief Historical past
Towering over the village, Brousse-le-Château, Château de Brousse within the Aveyron division is one other fortress that was constructed within the ninth century by the Counts of Rouergue to defend their territory. Between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries it belonged to the Counts of Rodez after which the Arpajon household. In 1839 it was purchased by the commune.
It’s positioned on the confluence of the Tarn and Alrance rivers and just like the châteaux of Peyrepertuse and Najac, this château additionally sits on a rocky spur overlooking the Tarn valley. Some say it appears to be like just like the bow of a ship with ramparts, fortified partitions and 5 towers. It was within the very best strategic place.
From Fortress to Village Landmark
Within the late 1800s, the village was liable to disappearing; nonetheless within the Sixties, the the affiliation de la Vallée de l’Amitié started the restoration of the château and buildings within the village and the efforts reworked the village right into a vacationer attraction and as I wrote in my record of designated “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, the medieval village, Brousse-le-Château grew to become a member of this esteemed group of lovely villages in 2015.
Why Go to?
I drove from Saint-Affrique, east of the village and as I approached Brousse-le-Château, I used to be offered with an attractive panoramic views. The château is the centrepiece of the village and earlier than touring the château and its ruins, I had a stunning lunch with the château proper in entrance of me.
It’s an uphill stroll alongside cobblestone paths to get to the château however as soon as there, you’ll get wonderful views of the encircling space. The fort has been restored and there are shows of medieval armour and weaponry.
8. Château d’If
Location: Off the coast of Marseille (Division: Bouches-du-Rhône)
A Brief Historical past
Within the early 1500s, King Francis I had the royal fortress, Château d’If, constructed to guard the French coast from invasions. Whereas the fortress was by no means used to defend France it was quickly become a jail from from 1541-1945 for political and spiritual opponents and through World Warfare II for German prisoners.
Château d’If might be finest generally known as the setting for Alexandre Dumas’ novels, ‘The Depend of Monte Cristo” and “The Man In The Iron Masks”.
From Jail To Legend
Château d’If wasn’t destroyed however quite, stopped getting used as a fortress. It then grew to become a jail and when it not longer served that goal, it was left as is….with graffiti on the partitions and jail doorways nonetheless in tact. The Parc Nationwide des Calanques continues to take care of it as a vacationer attraction.
Why Go to?
As I wrote on this publish, ”Tour To France’s Alcatraz: Chateau d’If”, a fantastic outing within the south of France is to take a ship journey from Marseille over to Château d’If. The views of Marseille and your method to the small island of Île d’If are great. When you arrive on the island you’re transported to a different time as you discover the jail and see the terrible circumstances prisoners needed to endure.
You’ll uncover that in the event you had been a ‘rich” prisoner, you bought a couple of extra facilities like a window! There are dungeons, towers and courtyards to go to in addition to cells named after actual (and fictional) prisoners like Edmond Dantès, the Depend of Monte Cristo.
A Phrase About Château de Montségur
I’d have included Château de Montségur in my record; nonetheless, I by no means made it there. I arrived within the car parking zone and the fog was so thick it was too harmful to go to. I’d doubtless have killed myself attempting to stroll up the hill to the château. And there can be completely NO views. Maybe it was closed in any case. I’ll have to return at some point to see this magnificent thirteenth century fortress that’s perched 1,200 metres excessive within the French Pyrénées.
Château de Montségur is positioned 120 kilometres south of Toulouse. It’s famend because the final stronghold of the Cathars. Tragically, after a 9 month siege in opposition to the fortress in 1244, virtually 200 Cathars had been burned to dying once they refused to surrender their religion. The unique Cathar fortress was torn down by royal forces and at the moment, there stays are from a rebuilt fortress.
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