At an altitude of 572 metres, on a rocky spur which dominates the Soudeillette and Vigne gorges by two hundred metres, the Ventadour castle stands with its imposing ruins in a site which evokes both the power of medieval feudalism and the blossoming of courtly love, to which the name of the troubadour Bernard de Ventadour remains attached.
The castle site was built in the 11th century and the oldest remains currently preserved date back to the end of the 12th century. The ramparts, the round tower, the seigneurial dwelling and the chapel of Saint-Georges can still be seen today.
The castle commanded the Viscounty of Ventadour, the towns of Ussel and Egletons. For more than a century (12th - 13th century), the castle of Ventadour was a centre of artistic creation, one of the most important in Occitan countries.
Opening hours:
- Easter holidays: Tuesday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm.
- May-June: Open Wednesday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm.
- July-August: Open every day from 10am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. Guided tour from Sunday to Thursday at 3pm. Every Friday morning, a thematic guided tour will allow you to discover the Château de Ventadour.
- September (until the European Heritage Days): Open from Wednesday to Friday from 2pm to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.
- All Saints' Day holidays: Tuesday to Friday from 2pm to 5pm
Guided tours for groups (minimum 15 people) all year round, booking required at the Ventadour Egletons Monédières Community Tourist Office (tel. 05 55 93 04 34).
Health pass required for visits and events at the Château de Ventadour.
From 4 years old
A medieval camp, escape game, treasure hunts, archaeological surveys, archery, evening storytelling visits and creative workshops all await visitors to the château!
