Forteresse de Penne A timeless, suspended medieval castle to explore in Aveyron

The Fortress of Penne: a stone giant suspended between heaven and earth

Proudly overlooking the Aveyron Gorges, the Penne Fortress seems to spring from the steep rock on which it is perched. A true sentinel of Occitanie, this jewel of medieval military architecture offers visitors a journey back in time, crowned by a breathtaking panorama of the village of Penne and the vast Grésigne forest.

A medieval phoenix in constant rebirth

While the first traces of the site date back to the year 800, it was at the end of the 13th century that the building acquired its royal stature. After enduring the turmoil of the Wars of Religion and being dismantled in the 17th century, the castle lay dormant in its ruins for many years. It took the passion and determination of Axel and Sophie Letellier, the owners since 2006, for this historic monument to regain its former glory. Thanks to colossal restoration projects —sometimes including spectacular helicopter lifts—the site is now fully open to the public.

A lively and sensory visitor experience

Far from being a static museum, the Fortress can be explored at your own pace:

• The Interpretive Trail: a one-hour walk to understand daily life in the Middle Ages, between the state room, the cistern and the lordly dwellings.
• The Museum Space: recently opened, it unveils collections of objects found during the excavations, models of evolution and captivating projections on the preservation project.
• The Landscape Trail: a short walk allowing you to explore the endemic flora while observing the archaeological research areas.

In summer, the site comes alive with the sounds of tools: stonemasons, blacksmiths, and woodturners revive ancestral techniques. The experience continues at the summer tavern, where you can enjoy a break on the museum's panoramic terrace. As night falls, the atmosphere becomes more mysterious: on Mondays and Wednesdays, the castle opens its doors for the "Penn'Air" and " Riddles at the Castle " evenings.
Whether you are taking part in a family treasure hunt or a themed visit, every corner of the Penne Fortress whispers a part of the Tarn's identity to you.

For your information: access to the Fortress, as well as the exploration of the medieval village, is exclusively on foot.

Ready for the vertigo of history? The Fortress awaits you for a timeless interlude.