An exceptional example of XNUMXth century military architecture, the fortress of Penne dominates the gorges of the Aveyron. Climb to the top of the cliff for a breathtaking view.

A medieval village in the heart of the Aveyron gorges

Classified “Grand Site d'Occitanie" next to Ropes on Sky, Puycelsi, Bruniquel and Castelnau-de-Montmiral, Penne is a village in Tarn perched above the gorges of the Aveyron between Albigenses, Quercy and Rouergue.

From Najac or Villefranche de Rouergue, after visiting Saint Antonin Noble Val, one of the Great sites Occitanie and traveled some pretty winding roads in the valley, let yourself be surprised by this charming village of character.  

Penne Castle

Penne Fortress

Come and relive the fascinating history of the fortified castle and life in the Middle Ages

A magical place

Clinging to a rocky outcrop overlooking the village of Penne, the medieval fortress could serve as the setting for the most fabulous of tales. Windswept more than 120 meters above the Grésigne forest, the site is ideal for bringing the past to life, with stories of battles, princesses and knights.

Go through the large door whose structure resembles the Porte Narbonnaise in Carcassonne! Then enter the inner courtyard, a former stately home where parties and banquets took place. Look up and face at the remains of the dungeon, a symbol of the military past of the fortress, whose irregular enclosure was pierced with loopholes.

Tours suitable for everyone

Listed as a Historic Monument in 1902 and open to the public since 2010, the castle is a real open-air construction site! In the summer period, the work of craftsmen builders will arouse your curiosity. Meet these passionate workers and discover archaeological treasures revealed by the excavations during the restoration of the castle. 

Follow a illustrated interpretive trail which will tell you the story of the fortress of Penne but also the way of life of people in the Middle Ages. Or, soak up this medieval atmosphere by following a guide in period costume !

As a family with children, follow a educational booklet and discover the site in the form of games.

Visit the Penne Fortress

Opening hours from April 01 to June 30, 2025
Monday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Open on Saturday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Opening hours from July 01 to August 31, 2025
Monday Open from 10 am to 19 pm
Tuesday Open from 10 am to 19 pm
Wednesday Open from 10 am to 19 pm
Thursday Open from 10 am to 19 pm
Friday Open from 10 am to 19 pm
Open on Saturday Open from 10 am to 19 pm
Sunday Open from 10 am to 19 pm

Summer nights, Mondays and Wednesdays from 12/07 to 24/08, 10 a.m. to 22:30 p.m.

Opening hours from September 01 to September 30, 2025
Monday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Wednesday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Open on Saturday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.

For European Heritage Days: open until 19 p.m. on Saturday.

Opening hours from October 01 to November 11, 2025
Wednesday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Thursday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Friday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Open on Saturday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Opening hours from November 14 to November 30, 2025
Friday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Open on Saturday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Opening hours from December 20 to December 30, 2025
Monday Open from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.
Tuesday Open from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.
Open on Saturday Open from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.
Sunday Open from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.

Opening during the Christmas holidays!

Rates Min. Max.
Individual adult
7,50 € 9,50 €
Individual child
4 € 4,50 €
Student – ​​Reduced
6 € 7 €
  • Picnic area.
  • Toilet
  • Snack
  • Service – Completely outdoors
  • Boutique
  • Pet Friendly
  • Guided tours
Firm. Opens at 10:00 p.m.
Château de Penne
81140 Penne
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