Castle Castelnou, Languedoc Roussillon Travel Guide

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Discover Castle Castelnou, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress and historical monument in one of France's most charming villages.

Castle Castelnou, a medieval fortress dating back to the 10th century, stands as a captivating historical landmark in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France. Explore its ancient architecture, panoramic views, and the charming village that surrounds it.

A brief summary to Castle Castelnou

Place du Château, Castelnou, 66300, FR
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Monday 10 am-7 pm
Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
Thursday 10 am-7 pm
Friday 10 am-7 pm
Saturday 10 am-7 pm
Sunday 10 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Castle Castelnou.

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the village's cobblestone streets and the castle's uneven terrain.
Visit during the summer for theatrical tours and night tours.
Check out the local wine at the Castel of Castelnou wine estate.
Explore the Mediterranean garden in the park.

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Explore Castle Castelnou on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Castle Castelnou, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Perpignan, take the D900 to the roundabout at Pont Trencat, then follow D612A, D615, and D48 to Castelnou. Parking is available in a designated lot at the entrance to the village for a fee of €3 per day. Note that parking is paid, 7 days a week, all year round.
Public Transport

From Perpignan, take the line 570 bus towards Thuir. Get off at the 'THUIR - Piscine' stop and then take a taxi to Castelnou. The bus ride is approximately 29 minutes, plus the taxi ride to Castelnou. A taxi from Thuir to Castelnou will cost approximately €40-€55.

Discover more about Castle Castelnou

Castle Castelnou, also known as Château Vicomtal, is a remarkable medieval castle located in the commune of Castelnou, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France. This fortress, dating back to the 10th century, once served as the military and administrative capital of the Viscounty of Vallespir. Today, it stands as one of the oldest surviving examples of medieval architecture in the region.The castle's history is rich and eventful. It was built between 988 and 990 and has been occupied, coveted, and abandoned over the centuries. In 1286, it was seized by the troops of James II of Majorca, and again in 1483. The castle was largely demolished in 1559 and fell into disrepair throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. However, it was restored around 1800 by Ernest de Satge and later acquired by Charles-Emmanuel Brousse in 1946. A fire in 1972 ravaged the castle, but it was sold in 1987 and has since been undergoing restoration.Visitors can explore the castle's vaulted rooms and palatial halls, which now serve as exhibition spaces showcasing the castle's history with armor, weapons, and figures. From the terraces, a panoramic view stretches out to the sea, and a Mediterranean botanical trail winds through the park. The castle also hosts various events, including theatrical visits, medieval days, and nature workshops.The village of Castelnou itself is a gem, recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Its narrow, cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and the remains of ramparts create a charming medieval atmosphere. The village is organized around two parallel streets, Carrer d'Avall and Carrer del Migt, with many houses built using stones recovered from the castle in the 18th century.