At the heart of the Aveyron Gorges, Château de Penne is a Cathar stronghold and a jewel of 13th-century military architecture. Restoration work is helping to safeguard the castle and showcase its medieval heritage. Visitors can relive the fascinating history of the site and life in the Middle Ages thanks to an interpretation trail with illustrated panels, costumed tours, events and a medieval building site.
From 12/07 to 24/08: it's Summer at the Fortress, with daily events to bring the Middle Ages to life in the heart of the castle!
There will be demonstrations and workshops on historical re-enactment, as well as evening visits on Wednesdays and dramatised tours on Sundays.
Since September 2023, a 30-minute loop has been open to visitors to the site, along the rocky knolls. This landscaped trail completes the visit to the fortress in the heart of the natural Aveyron gorges. The trail invites you to take a walk under the oak trees and admire new views over the valley, as well as the surrounding walls uncovered during archaeological excavations. There are picnic tables and benches along the way (picnics are allowed, but bring your own bins as there are none on the trail). 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 reveals its secrets. Since July 2024, to crown the colossal restoration project, the doors of the new interpretation centre have been open.
- Discover the buried secrets of this mythical site in the museum area: objects found during archaeological digs and collectors' items recounting the daily medieval life that took place centuries ago on this renowned rocky outcrop.
- Explore the fabulous evolution of this promontory in the model room, with 3 reproductions from the 12th, 14th and 19th centuries.
- Watch the film "Histoire d'une Passion" (History of a Passion), which presents the project in its entirety, the work carried out and the history of the site, with a 3D projection of the fortress and the surrounding area.
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Equipment
Picnic areaOrientation tableToiletsDefibrillatorTourist documentationShopThemed toursGuided toursEducational toursPets allowed -
Rates
Reduced rate 6 € Adult 7,50 € Child 4 € Adult group 6 € Large families 22 € Prices from 12 July to 24 August 2025: medieval events and daily guided tours included in the price of admission. Guided tours are included in the admission price (except for groups). There is a €3 supplement for Wednesday night visits (for visitors who have already paid for the day's admission). Tribe of friends' package valid for 6 adults: 5 tickets purchased + 6th free. Bons Plans Pass rate: €2 off the total cost of admission (excluding reduced rates, groups and Tribe of Friends). -
Opening hours
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