Château de Penne

Medieval fortress from the 13th century, classified as a Historic Monument in 1902 and purchased in 2006, the site is in the midst of a renaissance!

Come explore the open-air remains and walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who lived here more than 700 years ago by attacking the fortress.

You will discover the history and architecture of the site as well as life in the Middle Ages through a fun and informative journey.

Guided tours and workshops in spring and autumn, medieval activities from mid-July to mid-August (restoration site, participatory workshops, dramatized visits, etc.), Heritage Days, etc. So many events which will complete the independent visit to the fortress and will help you discover the site in a different way.

The landscaped path, open to visitors since the end of 2023, allows a walk of around 20 minutes on the mounds around the fortress to discover the archaeological excavation areas as well as the endemic flora of the site.

From June 2024, a new museum space will open to visitors in the heart of the fortress: medieval objects and furniture (including certain artifacts found during archaeological excavations on the site), models to better understand the architectural evolution of the site and film “Story of a passion” retracing the history of the site, from its first occupations to the current restoration work.

Events 2024:

*Spring guided tours:

Guided tours at 14:30 p.m. and 16 p.m., without reservation, on: 

- March 31

– April 1, 7, 14 and 21

– May 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,19, 20 and XNUMX

* Spring workshops: “Medieval construction” educational workshops at 14:30 p.m. and 16 p.m. on Wednesdays of the spring holidays, i.e. April 10, 17 and 24. By reservation by telephone or email, limited places. Supplement of 3€ / participant.

* Guided tours in summer: Guided tours at 15 p.m. and 17 p.m. every day from July 7 to August 25, without reservation.

* Summer at the Fortress: du July 13 to August 25.

– guided tours every day at 15 p.m. and 17 p.m.

– dramatized visits on Sundays at 15 p.m. and 17 p.m. from July 14 to August 25

– demonstrations and participatory workshops every day: restoration site, blacksmithing demonstrations, stone-cutting workshop, basket-making workshop, medieval wood lathe demonstrations, weapons exhibition, etc. 

– Monday nights: site accessible for self-guided tours until 22:30 p.m. from July 15 to August 19. Regular flash guided tours.

– Wednesday evenings: “Tales and legends” guided tour from 21 p.m. to 22:30 p.m. from July 17 to August 21. Site only accessible with the guided tour.

– Daily demonstrations and participatory workshops around medieval life: restoration site, blacksmithing demonstrations, stone cutting workshop, basket weaving, medieval wood lathe, weapons exhibition.

* European Heritage Days: sSaturday September 21 and Sunday September 22. Guided tours and activities.

* Yoga at the fortress: Sundays September 29 and October 6, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Come and enjoy a yoga session led by a professional, taking a tour in the majestic setting of the fortress. Followed by a snack and free tour of the site. As part of the 2024 departmental Cultural Meetings “MOVEMENTS”.

By reservation, limited places. Bring your mat. Beginners welcome. 

* Guided tours in Autumn: vGuided tours at 14:30 p.m. and 16 p.m., without reservation, on:

– October 20 and 27

– November 1, 2, 3, 10 and 11

* Fall workshops: aeducational workshops at 14:30 p.m. and 16 p.m. on Wednesdays of the All Saints' Day holidays, i.e. October 23 and 30. By reservation by telephone or email, limited places. Supplement of 3€ / participant.

* Halloween at the Fortress: Saturday November 2: chilly night.