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Château des Roure: A Medieval Marvel with Silken Secrets

Discover medieval history and silken secrets at Château des Roure in Ardèche, a captivating castle with stunning views and family-friendly activities.

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Château des Roure, a 15th-century castle in Labastide-de-Virac, Ardèche, offers a captivating journey through French history. Originally a medieval fortress, it later became a silkworm farm. Explore its well-preserved interiors, ramparts with panoramic views, and a silk eco-museum, offering a unique blend of history and culture.

A brief summary to Roure Castle

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer months (July and August) for the full range of activities and demonstrations.
  • Allow at least half a day to fully explore the castle, grounds, and museum.
  • Check the schedule for trebuchet shooting demonstrations and other medieval shows.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the castle grounds and climbing stairs.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views from the ramparts and the unique exhibits inside the castle.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, take the D579 south, then turn left onto the D217 towards Labastide-de-Virac. The castle is located in the center of the village. Parking is available near the castle. Parking is limited, especially during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    From Valence, take a train to Montélimar, then a bus to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. From Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, take a local bus or taxi to Labastide-de-Virac. Bus fare from Montélimar to Vallon-Pont-d'Arc is approximately €5-€10. Taxi from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Labastide-de-Virac is approximately €20-€30.

  • Walking

    From the center of Labastide-de-Virac, the castle is easily accessible on foot. Follow the signs to the Château des Roure. The walk is short but may involve some uphill sections.

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Discover more about Roure Castle

Château des Roure, perched in the charming village of Labastide-de-Virac, stands as a testament to France's rich medieval past. Constructed in the 15th century on the ruins of an earlier bastide, this fortress played a key role in guarding the ancient Pont d'Arc road. The castle's history is intertwined with the religious wars that once raged in the region; in 1629, its defensive structures were dismantled by order of Louis XIII and Richelieu. In the 17th century, the Count of Roure converted to Catholicism following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. The castle later fell into the hands of the Camisards, a group of French Protestants, who revolted and burned its church in 1703. In 1825, it was sold to a tenant farmer's family who transformed it into a silkworm farm, a significant industry until World War I. Today, Château des Roure is a classified historical monument open to the public since 1975, offering a glimpse into both its noble past and its more recent agricultural role. A visit to Château des Roure is a multifaceted experience. Explore the castle's various rooms, ascend the covered way, and take in the breathtaking views from the dungeon overlooking the Cévennes and the Tanargue massif. The silk eco-museum, established in 2002, showcases the history of silk production from the 19th century to the present day. Visitors can witness the life cycle of silkworms, see antique tools, and even activate antique looms. The castle also offers medieval entertainment, including trebuchet demonstrations and shows. For the brave, there's even a chance to encounter the ghost of the oubliettes.

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