Guided tour available for groups
From April to novembre, it is possible to book guided tours in english for groups.
Lénaïc, our guide will present you the castle, its history and environment.
Available on request only for groups (from 10 persons)
Duration : 1h30 - 2 hours
A medieval fortress dominating the Boulzane Valley
Strategically placed at 697m altitude on Mont Ardu, the Puilaurens castle rises up against the rocky overhang that dominates the village of Puilaurens, in the middle of an evergreen forest.
During four centuries it was the southern-most fortress in France and locked access to the Fenouillèdes.
The adaptation of this fortress to its steep landscape show architectural prowess. It makes for an impressive reference point within the remarkable and preserved landscape.
Travel back in time...
From the entrance, we can see the first stones! At the end of the road, the impressive chicane staircase rises up to the castle’s entrance doors.
Impatient to discover the inside of the castle? Walk past the Murder Hole and the main court is unveiled. The surrounding walls and its crenels, the horseshoe towers are filled with history, marked by time…
Hear the Legend of the White Lady...
To hear the story of the White Lady, venture to the high altitude castle complex.
Practical Informations
Opened from the 23rd of March to the 11th of November
Opening times:
End of March, April : 10.00-17.00.
May, June, September : 10.00-18.00.
July, August : 9.00-19.00
October until the winter closing : 10.00-17.00
One of the "serial property" candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Status
The Puilaurens castle is a serial property and is a candidate for Unesco world heritage status “the city of Carcassonne and its sentry mountain top castles”.
It shows proof of unique fortification and occupied a strong and central position, leading the city of Carcassonne to defend its territory and the border with the Kingdom of Aragon in the thirteenth century.
Other activities to do in Occitanie with the TPPO Pass
"Tourisme et Patrimoine en Pays Occitan" is a network of 39 selected destinations for your holidays and leisures.
During your visit at the castle, we will give you a guide and a card that will allow you to get discounts on the other partner's sites described in the guide.
From Carcassonne to Toulouse, discover cutting-edge technologies or ancient know-how, outdoor sports and remarkable natural sites, cultural and heritage places, flavours of our terroirs...