Castles and strongholds of Lévézou

The Peyrebrune Tower in Alrance

Tel. +33 (0)5 65 46 44 99 or +33 (0)5 65 46 56 46
Film and tour of the tower.
Guided tours from 2.30pm to 6.30pm in July and August, available on request in May, June and September.
Price : 2 €, free for under 10 years old. 

The Peyrebrune Tower built on a granite hill, on the remains of the previous Castle of the Seigneurs de Panat (between 11th and 15th centuries).
The tower has a rectangular base and 5 arched floors. In the 17th century, the Cardinal Richelieu dismantled the strongholds of the Midi to punish Calvin disciples, and Peyrebrune was not spared; only the dungeon was saved. In 1848, the tower was damaged by a group of peolple, probably inspired by the revolutionary ideas of the Commune. In 1898, the abbey Hippolyte Amouroux bought the tower and built a chapel, stairs, and a statue of the Virgin at the top. He also establised an annual of the Tower (at the end of August) which continues today! 

Castelnau Pégayrols

Terrasse des Grands Causses

Tel/Fax: +33 (0)5 65 62 05 05
Email :mailto:association@castenaupegayrols.fr
Website : http://castelnau-pegayrols.fr/
Guided tour of the medieval City and its buildings (listed monuments) : water system, roman priory, fortifications, churches. Open from 01/07 to 31/08, from 11am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm. Guided tours : 11am, 2pm, 3.30pm and 5pm. All year round, tours available on request. Free for less than 10 years old. Adult price : 4€.

Castle of all crusades

Route touristique des Seigneurs du Rouergue
Tel. : +33 (0)5 65 62 00 94 / +33 (0)5 65 62 05 05
Website : http://castelnau-pegayrols.fr/
Guided tour of the feudal castle (11th to 18th century) which overlooks the Regional Parc of Grands Causses. Visit of the Lords' room, the kitchens, the walled terrace and the parc where you can see the central part of the medieval water system.
Open : from 1/06 to 31/07, from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, every day except Tuesday.

Rates :

Adult : 5€

<12 years old : 3.5€

Groups : 4€

<5 years old : free

GB, SP, IT

Saint Beauzély

Castle Museum of the Stone and the Rural life (associated with the museum of Rouergue)
Touristic road of the Seigneurs du Rouergue
Tel. : +33 (0)5 65 62 03 90
Email : musee@saint-beauzely.fr
Website : http://www.saint-beauzely.fr/
In the heart of the village, the castle (13th to 16th century) houses an impressive collection of more than 3000 ancient objects exhibited in 5 rooms. 

Open : from 1/04 to 30/06 and from 1/09 to 30/09, between 2.30pm and 6.30pm - close Thursdays and Fridays.

Between 1/07 and 31/08, open everyday from 10.30am to 12.30pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.

During low season, please contact us. 

Rates : 3.50€.  12-18 years old : 2€. Groups : 2.80€.

Salles Curan

Castle of Larguiès

Less than two km away from the Salles-Curan township.

The castle was probably built on a farmhouse, which is mentioned in a cartulary in 1291. During the 16th century, the current castle was built by the Albert family. After many owners, it is now owned by Mr Roussel.

With a rectangular base, the castle has two turrets, and a roof lit by a succession of skylights with pediment, built around the 17th century. These different parts of the castle are listed buildings.

Vezins de Lévézou

Castle of Vezins

Guided tour, everyday from 15/06 to 15/09 (except Wednesdays, and Sunday mornings) between 10am and 12pm, and 2pm and 6.30pm.
Groups : tour available on request everyday from 01/04 to 15/06 and from 15/09 to 25/10. Between 15/06 an 15/09, tours every Wednesday.
Adult : 6 €
Children (7/16 years old) : 4 € .
Groups (20 pers.) : 4 €
Tours in English, Dutch and German available.
Tel. +33 (0)5 65 61 87 02
Email : henri.delevezou@laposte.net
Website : chateau-de-vezins.monsite.wanadoo.fr

Built on a headland, in a horseshoe shape, this ancient house overlooks the township. Since its construction in the 12th century, it has been owned by the same family, the lévézous of Vezins. The frontages bear the traces of its evolution, and a visit inside will reveal the kitchen with its ancient furniture and accessories, the neogothic gallery, the medieval arched rooms, the classical lounge and the many magnificient paintings and tapestries. The tour will guide you through the paintings and watercolours of Eugène Viala (1859 - 1913) and Renaud de Vezins (1882 - 1932). 

Near the Castle, a restored fountain carries the family's coat of arms. Visit the houses of the village, built around the castle in the shape of an arc. Some are dated of the 15th and 16th centuries, so be attentive to the details (lintel, skylight or chimney). Don't miss the Saint Pierre Church and its square tower, which houses the Vézins family vault, built by Mahoux in 1862. (Mahoux was a famous sculptor from Rodez, who trained Denys Puech from 1870).

Arvieu

This village, crossed by the Céor, has a rich Gallo-Roman past (left bank). Three castles were built in Arvieu:

- the oldest castle was built in place of the old monastery, and its chapel was replaced by the current church.

- the Castle of Montfranc built in 1787,

- the Castle of Saint Louis (19th century) is nowadays home of the town council, and possesses two turrets. 

Pont de Salars

Remains of Camboulas :

Ancient stronghold built on a rock overlooking the Valley of Viaur and the old roman road linking Rodez to Millau, it used to be the headquarters of the Count of Rodez. In this stronghold, he dealt out justice and gathered taxes. There used to be a windmill, a leprosarium and a school nearby. Nowadays, the only remains of the stronghold are nested in a valley on the right bank of the Viaur. 

Castle of Veilhac :

This castle dating from the 14th century, situated in a wooded area, was restored in the 19th century. Under the Second Empire, it was home to Calmet- Rognat, deputy of Aveyron. An old fountain can be found in the courtyard. 

Saint Léons

Castle of Saint Martin, situated in the village.

The castle of "Saint Martin" was built under the orders of the prior Amblard de Paulinh between 1445 and 1454. It was a shelter for the priors, the farmers, and Phalsbourg's regiments.

The castle has three round towers and a square tower, and overlooks the village. Until 1962, it was the property of the Academy of Alger, but is now private property.

Cassagnes Begonhès

There are only few remains of the royal castle (14th to 15th century) : a listed square tower, near the church; and the castle square surrounded by old and traditional houses with schist wall.

Flavin

There are many private castles is this village, visible from the road.

The castle of Viel Vayssac (17th century), with a coat of arms on the vaulted porch dated from 1523.

The castle of Briane (19th century) is a big bourgeois house with a round tower on each aisle.

In Gamarus lies a square with machicolation, the only remains of the 14th century castle, with frescos on the wall, dating from the 17th century.

La Clau : township of Vezins

Against the Pal (Summet of 1155 m.) and nearby the Cami Ferrat roman road, this village is an old fortified town with shelter lodges. In 1234, a Templars commandery was founded thanks to a donation from Grimal de Salles and his wife Aygline (daughter of Begon de Vezins). This commandery was at first linked to Saint Eulalie du Larzac, then to the Canabière (Order of Saint Jean de Jerusalem : 1302).

The Castle was completed in 1381 with a Tower called the Tower of the Templars.