Top 7 castles to visit - Bastides and Gorges of Aveyron

By Marion, April 24, 2023

Reading time: 1 min.

Imposing medieval fortress or sumptuous Renaissance residence, live the castle life in the Bastides and Gorges of Aveyron. We give you our top 7 castles to visit around Villefranche de Rouergue, Najac and Villeneuve d'Aveyron.

Fortresses and castles: attack!

Climb to the top of the dungeon Najac fortress, admire the sublime Italian gardens from the main courtyard of the castle of Bournazel, immerse yourself in the history of Toulouse-Lautrec at Bosc castle… There is so much to discover!

Royal Fortress of Najac

Discover the majestic royal fortress from the 12th to 13th centuries, a jewel of military defense witness to the Cathar struggles and the Hundred Years' War. Its dungeon served as a prison for the last Templars of Rouergue.

Bournazel castle and gardens

Immerse yourself in the Renaissance by visiting this Historic Monument. This major building in the south of France is distinguished by its innovative architecture and its remarkable sculpted decoration. Its gardens are a rare example of an Italian Renaissance garden.

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Penne Castle

Experience a human adventure that will immerse you in the time of fortified castles in the heart of a site in full renaissance!

Bosc Castle

Château du Bosc – Residence of Toulouse-Lautrec

An exceptional family residence, this richly furnished medieval castle gave Toulouse-Lautrec the assets to become one of the most famous painters of the XNUMXth century. The artist is still present there through drawings, posters and lithographs.

Chateau Cenevieres

A medieval stronghold then a Renaissance palace, it houses luxurious rooms: a remarkable painted ceiling, an unusual so-called alchemy room.

Bruniquel castles

The Bruniquel Castles, located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, served as a setting for the filming of the film “Le Vieux Fusil” with P. Noiret and R. Schneider. A room is dedicated to the exhibition of photos taken during filming.

Castle of Larroque-Toirac

Clinging to the side of a high cliff, the castle of Larroque-Toirac has preserved in its medieval part all its defensive system...

Find THE castle of your dreams

Which castle to visit with the family?

Children will dream of being knights Najac fortress ! To enjoy activities suitable for young audiences, go to Penne castle.

Which castle has a garden?

The gardens of castle of Bournazel are labeled “Remarkable Garden”, they are a perfect example of an Italian Renaissance garden. You can also stroll in the park Bosc castle.

Which castle for art lovers?

Le castle of Bournazel contains a very beautiful collection of paintings and sculptures from the 16th to the 18th century. Another castle, another era, discover drawings, posters and lithographs by Toulouse-Lautrec at Bosc castle.

Which castle to visit for a beautiful view of the Aveyron gorges?

Since the Najac fortress and the castles of Penne et Bruniquel, overlook the wild gorges of Aveyron.

Which castle to visit for a beautiful view of the Lot valley?

Le Cenevieres castle and Larroque-Toirac castle are superb balconies overlooking the Lot valley.

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About Marion

100% Aveyronnaise, I love exploring the Bastides and Gorges of Aveyron to enjoy new landscapes throughout the seasons...
Hikes, visits to monuments and charming villages, events and outings with friends... I'm never bored in this pretty corner of Aveyron!

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