Forteresse de Penne

The Penne Fortress: a medieval adventure at the top of the Aveyron Gorges

As soon as you enter the narrow streets of the medieval village, your gaze is drawn to this stone silhouette, proudly perched on its rocky spur since the 13th century – a defiant gesture against centuries past. Abandoned in the 17th century following the Wars of Religion, the fortress is now being reborn thanks to its purchase by Sophie and Axel Letellier. With Sophie by his side, Axel is turning his childhood dream into reality, combining restoration and education to breathe new life into the fortress.

A site that reveals its story as you visit it.

The ascent begins in the village, then continues through the remains of the castle: from its gatehouse and two towers, past the lord's quarters and the state room, to the cistern and the church at the summit – every stone whispers its past. Once at the top, the panorama of the Gorges of the Aveyron and the Grésigne forest opens up before you, offering a breathtaking spectacle.

With every step, explanatory panels for the interpretive trail They guide you: they tell not only the story of the fortress, but also daily life in the Middle Ages, from construction techniques to stories from the inhabitants of the time.

An enriched journey through time

Since 2024, in the heart of the fortress, a new museum space invites you to delve even deeper into its history. Three rooms reveal:

• des collections of medieval objects including a selection of objects from the archaeological excavations of the castle,

• des architectural models tracing the evolution of the site,

• a screening room where a 10-minute film tells the story of this historical and human adventure.

Completing the visit, a landscaped path The approximately 20-minute walk winds around the fortress. Accessible since autumn 2023, it offers unique views of the valley and allows visitors to discover the endemic flora as well as the latest archaeological excavation areas.

Activities for all audiences

The fortress is not just a place to look at: it is an experience. Every summer, Summer at the Fortress offers daily activities – costumed guided tours, practical workshops, demonstrations on a living medieval construction site, theatrical tours, evening tours and much more.

In spring and autumn, thematic guided toursEducational workshops and special events allow you to rediscover the site from various angles, whether you are curious about history, with family or in a group.

While visiting the Penne fortressYou're not just discovering ancient stones: you're stepping into a living history, shaped by centuries of life, struggle, and restoration. A historical adventure in the heart of the Bastides and Gorges of the Aveyron that will remain etched in your memory for a long time.

Events 2026

Spring Guided Tours

No reservation required, at 11am, 14:30pm and 16pm on the following days:

• April 4, 5, 6, 19, 26

• May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 25

Spring Workshops

Educational workshops “Little Archaeology“At 15 p.m. on Wednesdays during the holidays:”

• 22 and 29 April

• Duration 1h

• Minimum age: 7 years

European Archeology Days

• Saturday June 13 and Sunday June 14

• program to come

Summer at the Fortress: from July 11 to August 23, 2026

• Guided tours every day at 15 p.m. and 17 p.m.

• Theatrical tours each Sunday at 15 a.m. and 17 p.m.

• Participatory workshops and demonstrations every day (see schedule on their website) :

  • Restoration site

  • Blacksmith, medieval wood lathe, wool cycle, weapons and harnesses, wooden games

  • Tavern

NEW // "Riddles at the Castle" evenings, every Wednesday from July 15th to August 19th, 2026, starting at 20:30 pm, reservations recommended

NEW // "Penn'Air" evenings, every Monday from July 13 to August 17, 2026:

• program to come

European Heritage Days

• Saturday September 19 and Sunday September 20

• Guided tours and activities

Autumn Guided Tours

No reservation required, at 11am, 14:30pm and 16pm:

• 18 and 25 October

• November 1 and 11

Halloween at the Fortress

Saturday, October 31 at 15 p.m. and 21 p.m. – Thrilling tours for young and old, by reservation.

Open for the Christmas holidays

• From Saturday 18 December to Sunday 3 January

• Every day except December 24, 25, 26 and 31 and January 1, 2027

• From 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.