The name Château de Peyrelade comes from “Petra Lata”, meaning “Large Stone”. The castle’s history is full of twists and turns. It already existed in the 12th century, when it belonged to the Ahenric family. It then belonged successively to different lords, until the De Sévérac, the d’Anduze, the Viscounts of Creisseils and the Roquefeuille all fought over it. Rouergue was given to the English following the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360: this was the Hundred Years’ War, when the region took on major strategic importance as the border between English and French territory. At this time, the castle was taken by roaders, who were themselves dislodged by the English before Guy de Sévérac drove them out of the region. In 1385, the castle was set on fire by Bernard d’Armagnac after more than two months of siege. 5 years later, a company of truckers again seized the castle and pillaged the surrounding area.
Vanessa Martin Leblogcashpistache Crtloccitanie 0039143 Md 1Architectural history of Château de Peyrelade
View of the rock from Château de Peyrelade Jolies Lueurs Crtloccitanie 
Activities at Château de Peyrelade - Gorges du Tarn
View from Château de Peyrelade Betty Arnavielhe Tripinwild 
Overview of Château de Peyrelade Lezbroz Crtloccitanie 
Viewpoint at Château de Peyrelade Jolies Lueurs Crtloccitanie 
Animation - Château de Peyrelade - Gorges du TarnDID YOU KNOW?
Close to the Protestant Cévennes, the Gorges du Tarn and the Catholic Grands Causses, Peyrelade was located in a sensitive area during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, and was successively occupied by both sides. To keep it away from the Catholics, the Calvinists even exploded the tower door with a device known as a “pétard”. It was dismantled in 1633, probably on the orders of Richelieu, to reduce the power of the local lords, and is now owned by the commune of Rivière-sur-Tarn.
Visits to Peyrelade castle
After centuries of neglect, the Château de Peyrelade has come back to life! Excavation and restoration campaigns have been underway for almost 40 years, and the château is open to visitors during the summer months. It then becomes the venue for numerous medieval events.
A village castle
At the foot of the dungeon rock, sheltered from the northerly winds, lay the village of serfs and peasants. Access was difficult, and travel was by mule. In the 12th century, 89 houses were inhabited, after which the number of inhabitants began to decline to just 4 families in 1920. The last native inhabitant left the village in 1963. In the 1970s, a number of families began restoring the houses as their main residence, and they still live there today…
View of the village from the Château de Peyrelade 2bags2guys CrtloccitanieDID YOU KNOW?
The view from Château de Peyrelade is incredible! Enjoy a view over the Tarn Valley and the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn…
- How do I get to Château de Peyrelade?
From the D907 and the village of Boyne, follow the signs to Château de Peyrelade, at the end of a small, steep road.
The parking lot is below the site.
- Is Château de Peyrelade accessible to all?
Situated on a rocky promontory, access is steep and difficult for the elderly, and impassable in baby carriages or wheelchairs.
- When should you visit Château de Peyrelade?
- The château is open to visitors from April to early November. (opening times and days vary)
