Dominating the valleys of the Aveyron and the Vère, the castles of Bruniquel are a must in this charming medieval town in Tarn-et-Garonne, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the two buildings bear witness to a rich history transcribed through exceptional architecture.
The village of Bruniquel: an exceptional site
A village in the heart of the Aveyron gorges
Perfectly situated at the heart of a tourist crossroads between Toulouse, Cahors, Albi and Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Bruniquel is a jewel of the Aveyron gorges . Occupied for nearly 15,000 years, the site features rock shelters and decorated caves containing priceless prehistoric art objects.
One of the most beautiful villages in France
Lined with elegant 14th, 15th, and 16th-century houses, the town boasts limestone facades, climbing roses, lilacs, and narrow cobblestone streets. Among the town's surprising features are its streets with rather unusual names, such as Bombe-Cul Street and Trotte-Garces Street —sure to pique the curiosity of visitors!
Two castles in one
The Old Castle
Built on the site of an ancient fortified settlement , the first castle is believed to have been erected a few decades after the fall of the Roman Empire, around 575. During the Albigensian Crusade, the structure was destroyed by royal troops because it sheltered Cathar dissidents, allies of the Counts of Toulouse, the Viscounts of Bruniquel. It was on these ruins that the Old Castle , still visible today, was built during the 13th century.
The Young Castle
Following family feuds, one of the heirs decided to sell the land east of his castle to his cousin, Maffre de Comminges . Between 1485 and 1510, the latter built a new castle there, the Younger Castle . For three centuries, the two branches of the family engaged in constant conflict. The Old Castle still bears the marks of these various attacks, particularly in the so-called Knights' Hall. At the end of the 18th century, the Viscount of the Old Castle decided to buy back the Younger Castle. Only the Old Castle remained inhabited until 1980, the year of the death of the last Viscountess of Bruniquel. Left abandoned for two centuries, the Younger Castle fell into considerable disrepair until its purchase by the municipality in 1987.
A famous filming location
In 1975, director Robert Enrico used the castles as sets for his film "The Old Gun" starring Philippe Noiret and Romy Schneider. The story of a peaceful surgeon from Montauban avenging the murder of his wife and daughter in a village decimated by a German division remains a highlight of local history. Michel Montet, mayor of the village of 610 inhabitants, recalls: "Every time the film is shown on television, which sometimes happens several times a year, there's an influx of visitors." For the filming, modifications were made, such as the construction of a drawbridge, which has since been destroyed. However, the well in which the main character kills his first victim is still there.
Visit the castles of Bruniquel
The monument is open to visitors and hosts many events every year, including the lyrical castle festival, the Vert-Tige plant market and the Batucadas concert in mid-September. Several meetings of craftsmen and exhibitions, permanent and temporary, punctuate the site throughout the tourist season.
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Individual adult – ADULT aged 16 and over |
7 € | Not disclosed |
| Equipment rental – AUDIO GUIDE SUPPLEMENT |
0,50 € | Not disclosed |
| Guided tour for adult groups / person – /ADULTS aged 16 and over for groups of 15+ people |
6 € | Not disclosed |
| Guided tour for groups of children/individuals (schools and leisure centers) – /CHILDREN aged 6 to 15 years old, group rate applies to groups of 15 or more people |
3 € | Not disclosed |
| Individual child – CHILD aged 6 to 15 years |
4 € | Not disclosed |
| Individual ticket for all audiences – REDUCED RATE for students, people with disabilities, job seekers |
-1 € | Not disclosed |
Rue du Château 82800 Bruniquel
My itinerary
To see nearby
Have you visited Bruniquel and its castles? Nearby, we recommend:
- a journey through time penne fortress ;
- a ride to St Antonin Noble-Val market
- a visit to the modern art collection in the heart of the Cistercian abbey of Beaulieu;
- Go up the Aveyron river until Najac, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
