Château De Penne
Château De Penne
4.5
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
About
The site you are visiting is rich in history! The current fortress, built at the end of the 13th century, stands on the remains of a previous castrum (fortified village) that belonged to the Lords of Penne and served as a refuge for the Cathars during the Crusades. Your visit to the site will be an opportunity to discover many treasures of medieval architecture: an entrance gatehouse with its two defensive towers dating from the late 13th century, a grand hall where banquets were held, seigniorial lodgings, a cistern, and even a parish church. Destroyed in the 17th century due to the Wars of Religion, the fortress is now being brought back to life. Privately owned, it was purchased in 2006 by Axel and Sophie Letellier. The fortress has undergone archaeological excavations and is under constant restoration. Come and discover it during a self-guided tour, a guided tour, or during the summer events! For more information, visit our website or follow us on social media.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
227 reviews
Excellent
116
Very good
82
Average
18
Poor
7
Terrible
4
NickBrum
Southampton, UK68 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We found this castle by accident while travelling along the D115 en-route to Toulouse airport at the end of our holiday. We had some time to kill before our departure and were looking for somewhere interesting to stop for a couple of hours. Spotting a sign to Penne Chateau we decided to turn off and explore, and what we found was a wonderful surprise.
The castle is dramatically sited at the western end of a high outcrop of rock overlooking the Aveyron river, with its medieval town stretching off below to the east. There was ample free parking along the road above the Ruisseau de Cap de Biou river and after a short, pleasant walk through the beautiful medieval streets of the town we came to the ticket office where we received a very friendly welcome and were loaned an English-language guidebook.
The castle is a ruin, but there is still much to see, the highlight being the massive twin-towered gatehouse and the impressive lodgings. What really makes this castle stand out however, apart from the incredible views, is the obvious love that is being put into its restoration. In those areas where work was being undertaken a great deal of effort had gone into making the building works look medieval, with wooden scaffolding and a huge medieval-syle crane. Quite often modern restoration works on a castle detract from its appearance, but not here, where the work actually made the castle more interesting to photograph. Well done!
Another highlight are the many beautifully illustrated information boards dotted around the castle, carried out in a cartoon style. These are superb and I just wished my French had been better so I could understand more of what was written upon them.
If you have an hour free then this castle makes a worthy destination, and if you have a little more time then an exploration of the beautiful town below is a must!
The castle is dramatically sited at the western end of a high outcrop of rock overlooking the Aveyron river, with its medieval town stretching off below to the east. There was ample free parking along the road above the Ruisseau de Cap de Biou river and after a short, pleasant walk through the beautiful medieval streets of the town we came to the ticket office where we received a very friendly welcome and were loaned an English-language guidebook.
The castle is a ruin, but there is still much to see, the highlight being the massive twin-towered gatehouse and the impressive lodgings. What really makes this castle stand out however, apart from the incredible views, is the obvious love that is being put into its restoration. In those areas where work was being undertaken a great deal of effort had gone into making the building works look medieval, with wooden scaffolding and a huge medieval-syle crane. Quite often modern restoration works on a castle detract from its appearance, but not here, where the work actually made the castle more interesting to photograph. Well done!
Another highlight are the many beautifully illustrated information boards dotted around the castle, carried out in a cartoon style. These are superb and I just wished my French had been better so I could understand more of what was written upon them.
If you have an hour free then this castle makes a worthy destination, and if you have a little more time then an exploration of the beautiful town below is a must!
Written July 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thanks a lot for your commentary full of details and very encouraging for us working here. We're glad you found the castle by accident and you stopped by!
We wish to see you in the next years to show you the advances of the restoration.
Kind regards.
Written July 6, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kentishman28
Haywards Heath, UK154 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Wow, what an amazing place. Fantastic and majestic castle ruins in an amazing location perched on a cliff top. Beautiful views overlooking the surrounding countryside. reasonable price for entry though be prepared for a steep climb to the top. Family loved it.
Written July 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your opinion !
Best regards.
Written August 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Denise B
Bellac, France102 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
This castle is not a 'French château' it's a proper fortified castle on the top of a huge approximately 200 foot rock outcrop. As spectacular as you would see anywhere in the world! A fantastic place to visit. The village is genuinely medieval and absolutely lovely
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your recommendation !
Best regards.
Written October 23, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Iweinvanaalst
Lille, Belgium599 contributions
Aug 2019
Penne castle was erected between the twelfth and the fourteenth century and slighted by the protestant faction in 1586 during the Wars of Religion.
After four hundred years of abandonment and decay the ruins were purchased by architect Axel Letellier in 2006. The new owner is gradually consolidating and restoring the fortress and has opened it to the general public.
Visitors can discover Penne castle with the help of an information leaflet, information panels and a reconstruction drawing. However, I strongly recommend taking a guided tour.
Our guide Rémy (*****) proved very knowledgeable and passionate about the castle and provided great added value. He pointed out a lot of interesting details about the defence (inner crenelations, stone to prevent dislocation of gate, entrance chicane, watchtowers in the valley) and about the ongoing restoration work (buried kitchen, dungeon).
Apart from the towers of the gatehouse no towers or walls can be scaled. The chapel and keep can currently only be admired from atop the cistern due to archeological digs.
From atop the gatehouse you enjoy a stunning 360° view of the surrounding valleys.
The visit of Penne castle is complemented by animations by a costumed staff (e.g. demonstration of medieval weaponry and scale models of siege engines).
PS :
Given the fact that restoration is ongoing I would very much like to return to Penne castle five years from now to see the progress made by the builders.
After four hundred years of abandonment and decay the ruins were purchased by architect Axel Letellier in 2006. The new owner is gradually consolidating and restoring the fortress and has opened it to the general public.
Visitors can discover Penne castle with the help of an information leaflet, information panels and a reconstruction drawing. However, I strongly recommend taking a guided tour.
Our guide Rémy (*****) proved very knowledgeable and passionate about the castle and provided great added value. He pointed out a lot of interesting details about the defence (inner crenelations, stone to prevent dislocation of gate, entrance chicane, watchtowers in the valley) and about the ongoing restoration work (buried kitchen, dungeon).
Apart from the towers of the gatehouse no towers or walls can be scaled. The chapel and keep can currently only be admired from atop the cistern due to archeological digs.
From atop the gatehouse you enjoy a stunning 360° view of the surrounding valleys.
The visit of Penne castle is complemented by animations by a costumed staff (e.g. demonstration of medieval weaponry and scale models of siege engines).
PS :
Given the fact that restoration is ongoing I would very much like to return to Penne castle five years from now to see the progress made by the builders.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
auntieshaz21
Lanton, France663 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
Charming and interesting with excellent views. The place is being renovated as it was years gone by, using wooden scaffolding and local tools. There is a short climb but mountain boots aren't needed but sensible shoes are. Suitable for all ages. Open in the afternoons midweek and morning and afternoon at the weekends.
Written June 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thank you for your opinion
See you soon at the castle !!
Best regards
Written July 15, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ian j
Usk, UK310 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
The village of Penne is very small and is built in the lea of the chateau. The chateau is built at the top of a promontory or edge of a cliff - one can only marvel at its construction and how the builders carried materials etc (the chateau is a ruin)
Written May 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your opinion
Best Regards
Written May 28, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam3314
Derby, UK2,087 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
The castle is one of the bastides of the region. This is particularly spectacular as it is is perched right on the edge of the cliff and is wonderful see from afar.
Written May 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your opinion Sam !
See you later.
Best regards.
Written May 21, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
greenacres18
Wells, UK154 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
This is a truly spectacular castle although it’s a ruin it’s still stunning.
It’s a restoration in progress but in a medieval way with traditional tools and some scary looking scaffolding!
If you speak English you get given a very informative booklet to guide you round the castle.
Well worth a visit and wonder around the village.
It’s a restoration in progress but in a medieval way with traditional tools and some scary looking scaffolding!
If you speak English you get given a very informative booklet to guide you round the castle.
Well worth a visit and wonder around the village.
Written November 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your post.
Best regards.
Written May 21, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Motisy
Lincoln, UK312 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
We visited the village one day and found it to be very picturesque, we walked up to the ruins but elected not to pay as we did not have time to do it justice. Well worth the visit and probably more so if you visit the ruins themselves.
Written September 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your opinion.
Best regards !
Written September 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claudio-1967
Porto Alegre, RS313 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
The location itsrlf deserves a visit. The visit became great if you have opportunity to visit the castle.
There are restaurants nearby, but as I came in morning do not try the food.
There are restaurants nearby, but as I came in morning do not try the food.
Written January 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your opinion about Penne and the castle !
Best regards.
Written August 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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