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.
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
Ideal families
Sustainable tourism
No sale of plastic water bottles on the site, we have a drinking water tap available!
Video
Themes:
Location details
- In the countryside
- Village center
- River at -5 km
Costumed
Customers
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
Exceptional Closure(s)
- 01/06/2023
Pricing
| Pricing | Min. | 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)
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)
Payment methods
Services
Equipment
Services
Activities on site
- Animation
- Children's entertainment
Home animals
Accessible tourism
Linked offers
On the spot…
Cultural activities
Un épopée médiévale, entre Histoire et aventure !
From 7,50 € / adult
To discover nearby
Restaurant
Restaurant
