Top Things to do in Midi-Pyrénées
Top Hotels in Midi-Pyrenees
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Things to do in Midi-Pyrénées, Occitanie: The Best Castles
Stretching from the wooded Dordogne to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, this vast region is a popular winter sports destination, but one without the hordes that besiege the Alps. Spring's melted snows lure kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. In summer, amateur and advanced hikers take to the hills.
Restaurants in Midi-Pyrenees
1. Chateau de Gudanes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. Chateau de Lantis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
3. Chateau de Montsegur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
Reviewed By 99qwerty99 - Arrowtown, New Zealand
The walk up to the chateau can be done in as little as 30 minutes from the car park below and is well worth the effort. However, there is little information and I would suggest that anyone going there read my book "The Heretics' Revenge" available on Kindle as an Ebook. After several visits and extensive research, it is the most comprehensive story ever written about the Cathars at Montsegur and more particularly their hidden relic. Montsegur saw 210 Cathars burnt alive as heretics as just a small, but highly significant, part of the genocide of the Cathars.
4. Chateau de Montal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Built in 1519 by Jeanne de Balsac, in honour of her son, Robert de Montal, the Château of Montal echoes the finest châteaux in the Loire Valley. From 1879, it fell into decline, its prestigious pieces however being acquired by museums and private collections throughout the world. Fortunately, the Château was saved in 1908 thanks to the untiring efforts of Monsieur Fenaille who gradually restored the Château of Montal to its former splendours. Open: > 2nd January to 30th April and from 1st September to 31st December: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. > 2nd May to 31st August: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Last admission 45 min before closing time. Closed: > Mondays and Tuesdays from 2nd January to 31st March and from 1st October to 31st December. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By 55odile - Paris, France
A beautiful castle, not too big but with a long rich and interesting history. A special thanks to the local guide Nathalie who had so many details to share provided you got interested and listened! A wonderful time, going home with many stories to share.
5. Forteresse de Najac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By DougieM392 - Dumfries, United Kingdom
Lots of steps to climb but worth it for the view from the top. The stone staircase, to the top of the tower, is quite narrow for passing others. A written guide is available in English.The 5 euro entry is very responsible.
6. Chateau Fort of Lourdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 971 reviews
Reviewed By michaelsX3039KB - New York City, United States
Lourdes is said to be the place where heaven touches the earth. Whilst the Sanctuary for Christian pilgrims represents heaven, this medieval castle symbolizes the earth walking in its botanical garden, dwelling in the intimate museum of the Pyrenees, or visiting the Notre Dame du Chateau (where the original tabernacle of St. Bernadette's Church can be admired and the original cross of Jesus and the statues of St. Peter and Paul) is just a celebration for the eyes as they notice stunning views on the beautiful town of Lourdes, the churches & cathedrals, the Sanctuary along the river Gave, and the majestic snow-covered mountains the local staff doesn't speak much English (hey this is no Chicago), but quite friendly and fairly customer-oriented (not money minded at all), and the General Manager who I believe has a background in the history of fine arts often organizes sublime exhibitions on Lourdes and the Pyrenees for master Rodin aficionados, there is a sanguine drawing from the sculpture August Rodin tucked in the exhibition room right from the majestic tower. Enjoy your visit in this must see historical monument on your journey toward eternity!
7. Chateau de Cenevieres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 729 reviews
Super panorama overlooking the Lot River Valley. Medieval castle from 8th, 13th and 16th century. Gardens and interior in a guided tour, quite often with a member of the owner family. Chapel, donjon, jail, renaissance paintings including Les Métamorphoses d'Ovide and views of ancient Constantinople.
Reviewed By nadsspag
My partner and I were very lucky to have had such a detailed, thorough and exclusive tour of the chateau with our guide Xavier. He was kind enough to work later than usual in order to give us a tour in English. Our tour was filled with detail of the smallest kind enabling us to capture this castle in its prime, very interesting!
8. Chateau de Peyrelade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
An amazing medieval fortress at the entrance of the Tarn Gorges ! Built on a rock overlooking the Tarn valley, Peyrelade castle (XII-XVI c.) was one of the most important fortresses of Rouergue during the Middle-Ages. Through a scenography (dutsh, german, english, spanish), a guided tour or an app in english or smartphones and pads, discover this castle under restoration for nearly 40 years : surrounding walls and walk-way recently opened to visitors, vaulted halls, drawbridge, and the incredible rock-tower that offers spectacular views of the surroundings. In summer, medieval entertainment on tuesday and wednesday and for kids upon reservation on thursday.
Reviewed By Monty458
Built between the 12th and 16th century, the Chateau de Peyrelade, is worth the €5 admission fee just for the magnificent 360 degree views of the surrounding valleys, the circling eagle’s view on the world. Allow about 1.5 hours to walk around the Chateau ruins and to watch the 20 minute video on the history of the Chateau (available in multiple languages.) It never ceases to amaze how the people’s of the past built just enormous stone structures on the top of precariously high hills. The ruins are impressive and if you are not French, there are multi-language storyboards available from the ticket desk to explain the various parts of the Chateau, e.g., the murder hole where you pour the boiling oil on the attackers. Kids love it and if they are naughty there is the pillory and if they are really naughty the dungeons where you lower them by chain! You can drive up to the Chateau and there is lots of free parking or if are fit and enthusiastic, you can walk from the village, Boyne, in about 30 minutes (all uphill, according to my wife!)
9. Chateau de Calmont d'Olt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
A Medieval castle in the south of France that is being rebuilt. During the summer season you can experience live shows with the firing of the trebuchet, the canon and the archery tournament. In low-season the castle can be visited without a guide. Numerous games will challenge your friends and family all throughout the site !
Reviewed By 568Traveller1
A great half day out! A really interesting castle -we went with our 3 sons aged 11,14 and 16. There were lots of 'activities' on - lots ofgames to play, demonstrations - the one of the trebuchet and canon firing was definitely the best! Staff were very engaging and enthusiastic and helpful to us. We were the only English people there so all the talks were in French only, but with our school day french and lots of miming we could figure out the gist of it! Amazing views from there too.
