Immerse yourself in the Renaissance era by visiting the Château de Bournazel, located in the charming village of Bournazel in Aveyron. Lovers of art, heritage and architecture, a visit to this restored 16th century gem will surprise you. Admire its sumptuous Renaissance gardens and let yourself be guided through the fascinating history of this castle.
Visit Bournazel Castle
Located 30 minutes northeast of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, the Château de Bournazel is a jewel of Aveyron heritage. This Renaissance castle in Rouergue impresses with its size, its sculpted decorations and its astonishing conservation. Enjoy a guided tour to explore the interior before exploring the beautiful gardens Renaissance. Lovers of art, heritage and architecture? This real Renaissance castle-museum is the perfect outing for you in Aveyron.
During your visit, you will be surprised to learn that in the early 2000s, its appearance was quite different!
Guided tours to the castle
At the Château de Bournazel, the exploration of its treasures takes place exclusively through a visit guided, offering a complete immersion in its history and architecture. Each visit lasts Approximatly one hour and are scheduled every 25 to 30 minutes until the last of the day at 17:30 p.m. For those choosing the latter tour, it is advisable to allow time to wander the gardens before the tour begins.
| Pricing | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Individual adult – Individual Renaissance Tour |
15 € | Not disclosed |
| Individual child – Renaissance visit Under 16 years old |
9 € | Not disclosed |
| Adult group – Renaissance Group Tour (from 12 people) |
13 € | Not disclosed |
| Individual adult – Individual exterior visit |
10 € | Not disclosed |
| Individual adult – Medieval & Renaissance Tour Individual |
18 € | Not disclosed |
| Individual child – Medieval & Renaissance visit Under 16 years old |
12 € | Not disclosed |
| General public group – Renaissance Tour Family Rate (2 individuals & 2 under 16s) |
40 € | Not disclosed |
| Individual child – Visit of the Exteriors Under 16 years old |
8 € | Not disclosed |
| Adult group – Group tour of the exterior (from 12 people) |
9 € | Not disclosed |
One of the largest restoration projects in France
Built in sixteenth century on the remains of an ancient medieval fortress, the Château de Bournazel is a treasure of Aveyron heritage. Property of wealthy financiers and inhabited by the same family until the Revolution, this castle has suffered looting, fires, abandonment and alterations over the centuries.
Bought in 2008 by a couple of enthusiasts, only its north wing and the facade of its eastern wing remained. Class Historical Monument, the building reveals unsuspected treasures. To preserve this architectural richness and restore the site to its former appearance, the owners then launched a major project, one of the largest in France!
To appreciate this exceptional restoration, which allowed the Château de Bournazel to win the Dassault History and Heritage Grand Trophy, come and visit this castle and its Renaissance gardens. Looking at the photos taken during the construction site, you will be amazed by the transformation of the place in just a few years!
A real Renaissance château-museum
The castle of Bournazel has nothing to envy to the castles of the Loire!
Inside, admire magnificent period fireplaces and contemplate an impressive collection works of art from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, brought together by the current owners. Paintings by students of great Renaissance masters, richly decorated furniture, sculptures of remarkable finesse: the Bournazel castle forms a true Renaissance museum.
In the interior courtyard, admire the carved decoration facades, a work of art in their own right which has made Bournazel famous and has attracted lovers of sculpture and architecture for decades. (Auguste Rodin he himself visited this place!) Its friezes, metopes and triglyphs recall ancient buildings and tell the story of the first lord owners.
After a few steps, a terrace will offer you a breathtaking view of the Renaissance gardens of the castle.
A unique example of Renaissance gardens
After the guided tour of the castle, stroll the flowered paths of the garden and discover plant species that are sometimes forgotten. Composed of nine geometric flowerbeds, the garden of the Château de Bournazel is the fruit of seven years of research and work. Today in France he represents a rare example of a Renaissance garden. And no, it's not a French garden! If he had a nationality, it would rather be Italian !
Like a learned knight from the 16th century, wander through this walled garden, soak up the humanist symbolism of its flowerbeds and treat yourself to the most beautiful views of the Château de Bournazel. Admire the symmetry games and the diversity of plantations in this haven of peace in the heart of Aveyron.
Frequently asked Questions :
What are the times for guided tours?
To find out more about schedules, visit the official website of the castle of Bournazel.
What makes the garden of the Château de Bournazel unique?
The garden of the Château de Bournazel is a rare example of a Renaissance garden Italian style in France. Composed of nine geometric flowerbeds, it was restored after seven years of research and work. Today it is a place for walking of great beauty, full of symbols.
Is Château de Bournazel suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Part of the Château de Bournazel is accessible to people with reduced mobility, including the interior courtyard and part of the interior spaces thanks to the presence of an elevator. However, some historic areas may have access restrictions due to their ancient nature.
Are there reduced rates for children and students?
To find out more about prices, visit the official website of the castle of Bournazel.
Can group tours or private tours be booked?
Yes, it is possible to book group or private visits to Château de Bournazel. It is recommended to contact the castle directly to arrange a guided tour tailored to specific needs.
Does Château de Bournazel organize special events?
Yes, Château de Bournazel regularly offers special events such as temporary exhibitions, concerts and thematic activities. Information about these events is available at their official website and their social networks.
Where exactly is the Château de Bournazel located?
Château de Bournazel is located in Bournazel, a village located approximately 30 minutes northeast of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, in the department of Aveyron in France. It is accessible by car with parking nearby for visitors.
Top 7 castles to visit!
Imposing medieval fortress or sumptuous Renaissance residence, experience castle life in the Bastides and Gorges of Aveyron. We give you our top 7 castles to visit around Villefranche-de-Rouergue, Najac et Villeneuve d'Aveyron.
Other remarkable gardens to explore
Around Villefranche-de-Rouergue, visit other remarkable gardens for a plant-based break during your stay. Serenity of the English garden of La Mothe in Salles-Courbatiès, wonder in the gardens of Quercy in Verfeil-sur-Seye… Find ideas for visits on our dedicated page.
