DiscoverSévérac-le-ChâteauThe medieval city

Séverac-le-Château

Discover Sévérac-le-château, its castle and medieval town. An emblematicAveyron village on the Lozère border, Sévérac is one of Aveyron’s most extensive medieval towns. The village of Sévérac is divided into two parts: Sévérac-le-château (oldest part) and Sévérac gare (oldest part), with“Sévérac d’Aveyron ” being the name given to the new commune.

Getting there

The medieval town

of Sévérac-le-Château

Once you’ve reached the castle, the medieval town of Sévérac-le-Château reveals itself to you, step by step… Numerous narrow streets and a rich heritage bear witness to a deep-rooted medieval past. How to get there Two fortified gates give access to the town’s narrow streets. In this almost enclosed space, noble residences stand side by side with the more modest houses of the time… Don’t miss out on anything on your discovery tour: the 17th-century Maison des Consuls, the covered market or “Sestayral”, the old medieval stalls, St Sauveur church, the archaeological museum, the fountain square, the wash-house and the 14th-century Maison de Jeanne, which, according to tradition, is the oldest in Rouergue (Aveyron’s former name).

The castle

de Sévérac

Perched high above the village, and easily visible from the surrounding area, the castle is difficult to access, but at the time was easy to defend. However, it was taken during the Albigensian Crusade in 1214… Time and French history have left their mark on the building, which is currently being restored. The château has been through two phases in its existence:

The castle of the Middle Ages: A fortification was built on the Sévérac hill, probably as early as the 9th century. The building underwent extensive alterations in the 11th and 15th centuries. However, vestiges of the feudal castle are still visible: ramparts, parapet walk, watchtower, Saint Jean Baptiste church. In the latter, the Sévérac family coat of arms is carved on the keystone: argent à 4 pals de gueule.
During the Wars of Religion (1562-1594), the lords of Arpajon, barons of Sévérac, sided with the Protestants, before converting to Catholicism. In the 17th century, the emblematic figure was Louis d’Arpajon (1590-1679), whose long military, political and diplomatic career in the service of Louis XIII and then Louis XIV was rewarded with the title of Duke and Peer of France. Now rich and powerful, Louis d’Arpajon transformed the old fortified castle into a pleasant Renaissance residence.

Sound and Light Show La Legende De Jean Le Fol

Medieval shows and events

at Sévérac

In summer, the castle becomes the backdrop for a Son et Lumière show entitled “des pierres et des causses” (“Stones and Causses”), as well as numerous other activities: shows for all ages, historical and fun activities, guided tours of the medieval town and castle…