Historic site and monument
in Penne

Forteresse de Penne

A Mecca of Catharism located in the heart of the Gorges de l'Aveyron, the Château de Penne is a jewel of military architecture from the XNUMXth century, whose restoration work has enabled it to be safeguarded and medieval events to enhance it.
Thanks to an interpretation trail with illustrated panels, costumed visits, activities and a medieval construction site, visitors can relive the fascinating history of the site and life in the Middle Ages.

From 12/07 to 24/08: it's Summer at the Fortress with daily activities to experience the Middle Ages life-size in the heart of the castle!
With demonstrations and participatory workshops in historical reconstruction as well as night visits on Wednesdays, dramatized visits on Sundays.

Since September 2023, opening only to visitors of the site, a loop of approximately 30 minutes set up on the mounds of the rock, this landscaped trail completes the visit of the Fortress in the heart of the nature of the Aveyron gorges. The trail invites you to walk under the oaks to admire new panoramas of the valley but also the surrounding walls discovered during the archaeological excavations. All along the route, picnic tables (picnic accepted but you must bring your trash cans, there are none on the route) and benches allow stops. Walking shoes strongly recommended. Last access to the trail 1 hour before the site closes. Children under the supervision of accompanying adults.

In 2024, the Fortress is unveiled and reveals its secrets. Since July 2024, to crown the colossal restoration project, the doors of the new interpretation center are open.
– Discover the buried secrets of this mythical place in the museum space: objects found during archaeological excavations as well as collectible furniture retracing medieval daily life which took place centuries ago on this renowned rocky spur.
– Explore the fabulous evolution of this promontory in the model room through 3 reproductions from the XNUMXth, XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
– Watch the film “Story of a Passion” exposing the project in its entirety, the work carried out and the history of the place with a 3D projection of the fortress and its surroundings.
Further information) :
For groups and schools, open all year round, by reservation.
Ideal families
Sustainable tourism

No sale of plastic water bottles on the site, we have a drinking water tap available!

We speak: English, Spanish, French

Video

Themes:

  • Historical patrimony
  • Castle of
  • Chateau fort

Location details

  • In the countryside
  • Village center
  • River at -5 km

Costumed

Minimum age required: 3 years old
Minimum group size: 20 people

Customers

Suitable for: Reception of school groups, Cycle 4: middle school (5th, 4th, 3rd), Cycle 3: middle school (6th), Cycle 3: elementary school (CM1, CM2), Special families with children, Cycle 1: nursery school (PS, MS, GS), Cycle 2: elementary school (CP, CE1, CE2), Special adolescents, Reception of groups

Language(s) of the visit

English, Spanish, French

Individual visit services

  • Unguided individual tours permanently
  • Guided individual tours on request

Group visit services

  • Unguided group tours permanently
  • Guided group tours on request

Opening

Opening hours from April 01 to June 30, 2025
MondayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
TuesdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
FridayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Open on SaturdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Opening hours from July 01 to August 31, 2025
MondayOpen from 10 am to 19 pm
TuesdayOpen from 10 am to 19 pm
WednesdayOpen from 10 am to 19 pm
ThursdayOpen from 10 am to 19 pm
FridayOpen from 10 am to 19 pm
Open on SaturdayOpen from 10 am to 19 pm
SundayOpen from 10 am to 19 pm

Late night openings on Mondays in summer from 12/07 to 24/08.
Evening openings on Wednesdays in summer, “Tales & Legends” guided tour from 20:30 p.m. to 22:30 p.m. (site only accessible for the guided tour).

Opening hours from September 01 to September 30, 2025
MondayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
TuesdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
WednesdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
FridayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Open on SaturdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Opening hours from October 01 to November 11, 2025
WednesdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
ThursdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
FridayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Open on SaturdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.

Open on public holidays.

Opening hours from November 12 to November 30, 2025
FridayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Open on SaturdayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10 p.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.
Opening hours from December 20, 2025 to January 04, 2026
MondayOpen from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.
TuesdayOpen from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.
Open on SaturdayOpen from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.
SundayOpen from 10 a.m. to 13 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.

Exceptional Closure(s)

  • 01/06/2023

Pricing

PricingMin.Max.
Adult
7,50 €Not disclosed
Reduced price

6 €Not disclosed
Kids

4 €Not disclosed
Big family

22 €Not disclosed
Adult group

6 €Not disclosed
Adult
9,50 €Not disclosed
Reduced price

7 €Not disclosed
Kids

4,50 €Not disclosed
Big family

27 €Not disclosed
Adult group

7 €Not disclosed
Adult
7,50 €Not disclosed
Reduced price

6 €Not disclosed
Kids

4 €Not disclosed
Big family

22 €Not disclosed
Adult group

6 €Not disclosed
Prices from July 12 to August 24, 2025: medieval activities and daily guided tours included in the entrance price.

Guided tours are included in the entrance ticket (excluding groups).

Supplement of €3 for Wednesday nights (for visitors who have already paid for the day's entry).

'Tribe of friends' package valid for 6 adults: 5 entries purchased + the 6th free.

Good Deals Pass Price: – €2 on total admissions (excluding reduced rates, groups and Friends’ Groups)
Free for children under: 5 years old

Payment methods

  • Cheque
  • Cash
  • Bank / credit card
  • Classic Holiday Vouchers

Services

Equipment

  • defibrillator
  • Picnic area.
  • Orientation table
  • Toilet

Services

  • Pet Friendly
  • Educational visits
  • Theme visit
  • Boutique
  • Tourist Documentation
  • Guided tours

Activities on site

  • Animation
  • Children's entertainment

Home animals

Animals are accepted

Accessible tourism

Adapted service: Not wheelchair accessible

Linked offers

On the spot…

From 7,50 € / adult

Address

Le Village
81140 Penne
How do I get there?

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