Château des Roure: A Medieval Marvel with Silken Secrets

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.