Château de Peyrelade, Rivière-sur-Tarn, France

The Château de Peyrelade name is derived from the occitan 'Pèira Lada', meaning wide rock; an accurate description of the site. Objects found on the site suggest it was inhabited in prehistoric times.

Thanks to its position controlling the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn, it was one of the most important castles in the Rouergue province. It existed at least as far back as the 12th century, and was the scene of incessant battles and sieges until 1633 when it was dismantled on the orders of Richelieu.

The ruins give a good idea of the layout of the castle. The outer wall was more than 250m long, 10m high and 2.1m thick. The castle was dominated by a natural rock keep more than 50m high, only accessible from a round tower attached to it.

The Château de Peyrelade is one of a group of 23 castles in Aveyron which have joined together to provide a tourist itinerary as La Route des Seigneurs du Rouergue. Château de Peyrelade is open to visitors from mid-June to mid-September.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Martijn den Boer (6 months ago)
Nice views and historical place. Good for a semi-day visit.

Andy Butters (2 years ago)
Beautiful setting, spectacular château, with vultures flying overhead.

Koene van Rossum (3 years ago)
Nice and well taken care of. High climb. Not wheelchair accesible. Real culture with Nice view and history

Tyler Ardron (4 years ago)
Very nice view of the area

Ellah Chiminya (4 years ago)
Beautiful Castle Peyrelade under renovation.

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