Village et château de Larroque-Toirac dans la vallée du lot

Livinglife in a castle

Top 4 castles to visit

Embark on a journey to the heart of History, to castles that make young and old dream. Learn all the secrets of the fortified castle of Larnagol, which overlooks the beautiful Lot Valley. Leaning against the cliff, the Château de Larroque-Toirac will continue to amaze you. On the Limargue and Ségala side, visit the imposing medieval castle of Lacapelle-Marival before finishing with the castle of Assier, an example of early Renaissance architecture.

Medieval castle

of Larroque-Toirac

From the Lot Valley road, this cliff-hung castle immediately impresses with its verticality. Its two circular towers add to the impression of an impregnable stronghold. However, history has shown the opposite; the English having stormed the castle on several occasions. The other special feature is the presence of grottoes at the back of the building, as well as terraced gardens featuring many exotic trees. The interior rooms are not left out thanks to a remarkable work of conservation of the original elements.

Between geology, history, architecture and botany, the guided tour of the site and the building undeniably transports you through the doors of time.

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Renaissance Castle

d'Assier

Built by Galiot de Genouillac, grand master of artillery to Francois I under the Ancien Régime and principal architect of the Marignan victory, this 16th-century château is a notable example of Renaissance architecture. The remains of this building, which are similar to the standards of the time in the Loire Valley, preserve elements of remarkable decor, such as these busts in the antique style, or these numerous sculptures referring to the military exploits of the owner of the place.

Managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, numerous guided tours and family workshops are organized to discover the History of this atypical castle in the heart of the Limargue.

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Medieval castle

of Lacapelle-Marival

It was at the crossroads of frequented roads that the Cardaillac family had the first part of the castle of Lacapelle-Marival built in the thirteenth century. To this imposing square keep with walls 3 meters thick, was added, in the XVIth century, a parapet walk on machicolations as well as angle watchtowers (turrets). A large building incorporating two beautiful circular towers was attached to the keep in the 17th century, giving the whole a remarkable stature, without being a fortified castle.

Interior, elements of period decor (ceilings, paperwork, fireplaces, etc..) can be discovered on guided tours (in summer, thanks to the volunteer association “Art and Heritage), or during events that punctuate the life of the castle: temporary exhibitions, conferences, plays, votive festival, etc.

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Bucolic castle

of Larnagol

In the valley of the Lot, between Cajarc and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the small village of Larnagol is nestled along a loop in the river. It is here that the construction of the castle was undertaken in the 12th century, largely transformed at the beginning of the 18th century into a holiday home.

Over five floors, this imposing building has managed to pass through the ages by preserving many remarkable architectural elements: gypseries, paintings and woodwork in particular. The owners reside here year-round, and it is important to them to restore and furnish the castle in a authentic manner.

On the outskirts of the castle, the pedestrian bridge, remarkably integrated into the outdoor space, passes over a small road to reach magnificent Italian-style gardens. The latter feature numerous stairs and tiered pools to fit perfectly with the relief of the valley. On the other side of the castle, there is a superb jardin à la Française that faces the panorama of the valley. The magnificent flower gardens mixed with the rich heritage of the place give the feeling of taking a trip through time: a curiosity to discover!

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3 curiosities

around the castles

The dovecote in Larroque-Toirac

You will inevitably notice it, at the entrance of the village, with its shape of “granary”. This model of dovecote, rare in the region, is placed on four round columns with capitals on which sits a cube of half-timbering. This dovecote is a decoy, no pigeon on the horizon, it was only used to store grain. A beautiful curiosity of the local heritage!

The church of Saint Pierre in Assier

This building, erected between 1540 and 1549, was primarily conceived as a funerary monument: Galiot de Genouillac wanted it to house his future tomb and undertook the construction of a true memorial to his own glory. More than 100 meters long, the frieze that surrounds the exterior walls of the church celebrates the exceptional career of Galiot de Genouillac. A must see!

The market in Lacapelle-Marival

Market place since the Middle Ages, it is supported by large pillars made of local sandstone. Its chestnut wood frame is covered with canal tiles. The market hall was the only building outside the walls in the Middle Ages. It is only during the 15th century that it will be surrounded by houses decorated with large arcades of store on the ground floor reinforcing its commercial vocation. Take the time to go into the village!

Eat

in the vicinity

All restaurants

Towards other discoveries!

Meeting with Champollion

Old stones and beautiful villages of the Causse

Super Cayrou, a work of art refuge

Capdenac-Gare, the city of railways