Château de Mélac, Saint-Rome-de-Cernon, France

Château de Mélac is a rare fortified wealthy house of the southern Rouergue was built between the 14th and the 16th centuries. The castle has four main buildings which are interconnected by towers (Renaissance tower) and form an amazing inner courtyard with arcades.

The castle forms a very contrasted ensemble because of its different architectural styles: exceptional interior courtyard with arcades supporting the galleries on two levels, 15th century watchtower with its original bombards, Renaissance round tower and its cupola storeys, vaulted guards room with rib tufa stone dating from the 14th century, large rougier sandstone fireplace, epic narrative about Dieudonné de Gozon, Grand Master of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

During the summer season, enjoy Les Musicales de Mélac festival which is held in the castle inner courtyard.

References:

Tourisme Aveyron

User Reviews

philippe chatreix (10 months ago)
Well done ! for this renovation to Jean Pineau with his wife Marie-Françoise, owner of the Château de Mélac since 1985 which was falling into ruin... Received ideas. "We talk about a castle, but in reality it is not one. It is a "den"... A den is a house of nobles, which explains why there is not a developed system of defenses." He continues his explanations. "They were protected on one side by the ravine of the Lessude stream and the other a ditch had been dug "

Marie Françoise (12 months ago)
Beautiful castle too bad we can't see all the rooms, the owner explains his estate very well Price a little expensive for 2 people €16

C V (2 years ago)
Only open weekends July & August, afternoons only. Maybe worth phoning beforehand. An interesting Chateau in private hands, that is also the owner's residence. Has been partially restored after being knocked about for the last 300 years. Not one of the greats, but certainly worth visiting if you're in the area. A pleasant owner. Note that there are private areas in the chateau that members of the public are not allowed to view.

Carole Guide (2 years ago)
Disappointed to find the door closed in April. Please note: visits only in summer. Nothing around to visit. No small village around.

Delta Mike (3 years ago)
Very nice discovery. The owner is very pleasant, and not stingy with explanations. We learned a lot during this visit. The difference between lair, castle etc... The interior courtyard is magnificent.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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