Chateau de Roquetaillade, Mazeres

This château is truly a castle. 'Roquetaillade', meaning carved out of rock, references the troglodyte caves underneath the castle.

The castle itself dates to the 14th century and, in unique style, has two fortresses within the stone castle walls. It was subject to a massive restoration in the 19th century by Viollet-le-Dic whose interior decorations and furniture are a key reason for this castle being listed as a Historic Monument.

It is still privately owned by the Roquetaillade family who have been resident here since 1306! As well as the castle being classified as a historical monument there is also a working farm on the land alongside an A.O.C. Graves vineyard that produces a variety of wines. Tours are available (in English) for individuals or groups and cover the history and architecture of the area and the building itself.

With such a magnificent setting it would almost criminal not to be able hire out the banquet halls and gardens for private functions. But lucky they do organise weddings, banquets and cocktail parties. For more information or for a full list of seasonal opening times, please visit their website using the link above.

Reviews

Visitor comments

"While on a Bordeaux River Cruise, we were delighted to visit this chateau. The painstaking restoration is amazing... and to think it is still inhabited by the family! We too were fortunate to have the owner be our guide (and we too did not know this until we were back on the bus!). What better way to learn the history of the chateau than from one who lives it every day! This is a definite visit for anyone in the area... you'll be happy you did!" - Trip Advisor
"This building has been in the same family for over 700 years. It is being lovingly restored and is probably the best castle/fortress we have seen in 50 years of travel. It is a family project. The tour takes one to one and a half hours to do and there are a lot of stairs. We had an English tour and then a delightful meal. This is out in the countryside and a vehicle is necessary to get there." - Trip Advisor
"ABC this is not. It doesn't matter how many castles you have visited, this is different. As the area was under the control of Britain at the time, the castle was built by King Edward I. It has been owned by the same family since 1306. There is read education here, and still operational features of how defenses operated. The tour was conducted by a family member and he had a great sense of humor. The family still live in the castle but open up rooms and areas to show. It was well worth our visit." - Trip Advisor

Booking Arrangements

When to come

The castle is open every day during July and August, from 11:00 until 17:00. From September to October it is open each afternoon from 15:00 to 16:00. In winter, from November until Easter, you can visit on Sundays, bank holidays and school holidays from 15:00 to 16:00. After Easter and until the end of June the castle is open every afternoon from 15:00 to 16:00.