Château de Peyrelade: A Medieval Fortress in Ruins

Château de Peyrelade, whose name comes from “Petra Lata” meaning “Large Stone”, is a ruined castle located in Rivière-sur-Tarn. Built between the 12th and 16th centuries, it was one of the most important fortresses in Rouergue during the Middle Ages, thanks to its strategic position overlooking the Tarn Valley.From the top of its natural rock keep, the castle controlled the entrance to the Gorges du Tarn, extending its influence to the borders of Gévaudan, Languedoc and Sévéragais. The castle's history is full of twists and turns. It already existed in the 12th century, when it belonged to the Ahenric family. It then belonged successively to different lords. Rouergue was given to the English following the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, during the Hundred Years' War. In 1385, the castle was set on fire by Bernard d'Armagnac after more than two months of siege. The castle was the scene of incessant battles and sieges until 1633 when it was dismantled on the orders of Cardinal Richelieu.Today, visitors can explore the site and discover its history, unique architecture, and the extensive restoration and excavation work undertaken over the past 30 years. The tour concludes with a climb to the rock, offering a spectacular panorama of the valley and the Tarn Gorges. The outer wall was more than 250 meters long, 10 meters high and 2.1 meters thick. The castle was dominated by a natural rock keep more than 50 meters high, accessible only from a round tower attached to it.