Château d'Agel

Agel, France

Château d'Agel was first mentioned in 1100. In the early 12th century the area was rocked by the scandal of the Cathar Wars or Albigensian Crusade. A local form of Christianity was becoming ever more popular and according to some had already become the majority religion of the area. The Catholic Church regarded it as both a heresy and a threat. The 'heresy' was strongest in the county of Toulouse and all over Languedoc, where vassals of the Count of Toulouse refortified a line of castles to protect themselves against Papal forces. Agel was one of that line of castles refortified to resist the Pope's forces.

The Crusade against the Cathars, led by Simon de Montfort, raged throughout the Languedoc. In Simon's bid to take nearby Minerve in 1210, the château d'Agel was almost entirely destroyed by fire. In July of that year, Minerve fell, and the 180 Cathars who had taken refuge there met their end on a burning pyre.

The Treaty of Paris, which annexed Languedoc to France in 1220, put an end to the Crusade. Guiraud de Pépieux, who had escaped the massacre, set about restoring the château for his descendants. Notarial records dating back to the year 1300 mention another Guillaume de Pépieux as Lord of Aigues-Vives and Agel.

The architecture of the Château d'Agel reflects its continued use over the centuries. Thus for example window styles, vary from the tiny windows of the stark 12th century fortress to the beautiful windows of the Renaissance with ornamental balusters and capitals. During the 17th century, Renaissance embrasures were replaced on the principal frontage by broad bays with small squares in the style of Trianon.

By the first half of the 20th century, the Château had fallen into disrepair, and the northern wing in particular had become a ruin. In the 1960s the Ecal family began the task of restoring the property and its gardens to their former glory. Today Château d'Agel is a grand hotel.

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Address

Place du Château 6, Agel, France
See all sites in Agel

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Salome Granai (13 months ago)
Magical castle whose rooms are spacious, tastefully renovated and comfortable. We travel back in time thanks to a decoration that respects the history of this place. The gardens invite you to relax and play. The owners are warm and give very good advice. Thanks to them ! I highly recommend!
Nick Wetton (15 months ago)
€3000 deposit unreturned, DO NOT BOOK CHATEAU D’AGEL! PLEASE READ….. Covid 2020, and it was illegal to leave the UK, France were also on lockdown and the owner Martine outright refused to return our €3000 deposit for my mothers 80th birthday celebration holiday. Long story short, she made us move our booking to another year which we did not want to do and could not make. She then said she’d return half the deposit if she booked the period in question (2 weeks in August’23). In July this year a friend of mine requested to book this period and she said it was booked (all evidenced on email). Today I asked for our €1500 providing this evidence and she stated on email that it’s not booked!!! This is essentially theft and solicitors are now involved
Dede Havana (2 years ago)
On a hike around Le Pech. Beautiful panorama, super calm, pretty landscape. 7 km easy.
catherine augem (2 years ago)
Meal for a wedding, in the outside room, Heated limited room, 2 broken panes, very dirty windows... We expect better for a castle and especially for the asking price...!!
Y Z (3 years ago)
Very beautiful castle. The village and its way are really worth a detour. Friendly welcome, smiling and competent team
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