Castle of Castelnau in Bretenoux in the Lot

Castelnau-Bretenoux castle is located in the Lot department, commune of Prudhomat near La Bourgnatelle campsite . It is a large fortress created between the 12th and 17th centuries at the time of Hugues de Castelnau.

Classified as a historical monument in 1862, this castle is one of the most essential places to visit during your trip to the Occitanie Region . Formerly belonging to the Castelnau family, this chateau is currently exclusively owned by the State. It is entirely open to the public. We invite you to discover this magnificent castle which is famous in the country and especially in the department of Lot.

A brief history of Castelnau castle in Bretenoux

The castle was erected at the beginning of the 12th century by Jean II de Castelneau-Caylus. It was fitted out regularly in order to adapt to the artillery of the time. After the disappearance of the last Castelnau in 1715, the castle deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. Thereafter, it changed hands several times.

On the night of January 28 to 29, 1851, a serious fire broke out within the castle grounds. Which destroyed much of the infrastructure. It was subsequently restored by the various owners who succeeded one another. Note that the castle had 15 owners before being transferred to the hands of the state on March 13, 1933.

The visit of the castle of Castelnau

Castelnau-Bretenoux castle is distinguished by its triangular shape and its red stone walls. Culminating on a rocky plateau with its imposing appearance, you are not likely to miss it. To access the courtyard, you must face two sets of steps. Then, 20 more stairs await you before reaching the furnished apartments. The hardest part is climbing the 60 steps leading from the courtyard to the terrace of the artillery tower .

Once you reach the level of the lice, you will have a breathtaking view of the immensity of the landscape surrounding the castle.

What you will see inside

Inside, the southwest wing, restored by Mouliérat, houses his personal apartments, which he furnished with pieces from various periods: tapestries, sculptures, paintings, and antique furniture. The guardroom has been transformed into a dining room. Approximately six rooms are open to the public, all furnished in the style of an early 20th-century collector rather than a medieval lord—this contrast between the military exterior and the bourgeois interior is one of the highlights of this visit. The guides at the monument recount the history of the fifteen successive owners and the transformations each made. The visit lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a guide, slightly less on your own—a pace suitable for children aged 7-8 and up.

What to do in the surrounding area

The castle is located in Prudhomat, at the confluence of the Dordogne and Cère rivers. Heading back down towards Bretenoux, the village of Carennac—listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France—is about 8 km away. The Cluniac priory and the stone-paved streets are worth an extra hour's visit. For a full day trip, the Padirac Cave is about 20 km away (a 15-minute drive).

If you leave early in the morning for the castle (opens at 10:00 AM), you can continue on to Carennac in the afternoon and return to the campsite by 6:00 PM—a full day without a car, covering over 30 km in total from Bretenoux.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entrance fee to the Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux?

€10.60 per adult. The ticket is valid for one year and covers all areas open to the public, including the furnished apartments and the artillery tower. Those under 18 enter free of charge (Monument of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux).

Is there a reduced rate for children?

Those under 18 enter free of charge.

For school groups and other specific pricing conditions, please consult castelnau-bretenoux.fr or call the monument before your visit. Is the visit guided or self-guided? Guided tours are offered by the monument's guides at set times—inquire on-site or on the official website. Visitor information is also available for exploring the castle independently. The guided tour is recommended for families with children: the guides know how to adapt their narration. How much time should I allow for the visit? Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete and leisurely visit: the outer courtyard, the climb to the artillery tower, and the furnished apartments. With young children, allow 2 hours to avoid rushing on the stairs.