Ventadour Castle
This 12th-century feudal castle has been undergoing restoration work by volunteers, supervised by professionals, since 1969. Tours are available every day except Saturday during the summer months. Medieval entertainment on select Sundays.
Ventadour is a fortified castle formed by a juxtaposition of buildings from different periods, ranging from the 12th to the 21st century. This long evolution, punctuated by periods of destruction or abandonment, has resulted in a unique architectural style. This impressive monument with its large-scale constructions, built on a granite base, is one of the largest medieval castles in the Ardèche department.
The site rises to an altitude of 373 metres on a rocky spur pointing towards the confluence of the Ardèche and Fontaulière rivers, which it overlooks from a height of 80 metres. While the north, east and south sides of the site consist of steep walls and slopes, to the west it is attached to the mountain range that dominates it. This base is made up of Tanargue granite, which differs from the surrounding rocks.
The castle’s current appearance is largely due to a crazy reconstruction project led by Pierre Pottier and his wife Françoise between 1969 and 2018. Following his death, the total reconstruction project he had envisaged came to an end. However, the Association for the Preservation of Ventadour Castle, founded in 1969, took over in 2018 and now manages the opening of the monument to the public, the volunteer work camp that takes place every summer, and the maintenance of the site.
Equipments / Services
- Pets allowed
Opening / Rates
From 12/07 to 23/08/2026 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
From 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm
(last tour departs at 5.30pm).
Full price: 7 €.
Free entry for children under 10.
Tours are guided by volunteers.
The monument is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
