Château de Bonaguil: the last great fortified castle, via the Lot valley
A 50-meter keep at the end of a scenic wine road
It's the castle that all children (and many parents) dream of: a 50-meter keep, towers, a barbican, a hidden cave beneath the fortress... And the road to get there, along the Lot valley and Malbec vineyards, is a scenic drive in itself.
1. A fortress designed to withstand cannon fire
Mentioned as early as 1271, Bonaguil was transformed at the end of the 15th century by Baron Bérenger de Roquefeuil, who spent over thirty years turning it into a fortress adapted to artillery. The result: a keep of about 50 meters, a large barbican, six towers, a chicane entry, and even a natural cave beneath the castle. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1862, it is one of the finest examples of late medieval military architecture in France.
2. Schedules & prices
July-August: 10:00–19:00
April, May, June, September: 10:00–18:00
March and October: 10:30–17:30
November to February: school holidays only, 14:00–17:00
Last entry one hour before closing. Expect €10 per adult, €7.50 for ages 13 to 17, €5 for ages 6 to 12, free under 6.
3. Our advice: make a loop with Malbec villages and estates
On the way out, pause at Puy-l'Évêque, where golden stone houses cascade down above the Lot river: the view from the bridge is superb. On the return trip, stop at one of the valley's wine estates for a tasting (see our "Malbec Route" sheet), or go for a swim at Caïx beach in Luzech during summer.
July-August 10:00–19:00; April to June and September 10:00–18:00; March and October 10:30–17:30; November to February during school holidays 14:00–17:00. Last entry 1 hour before closing. Adult €10, 13–17 yrs €7.50, 6–12 yrs €5.
Leave in the morning via the valley: Puy-l'Évêque on the way out, a Malbec tasting on the way back.