Our Blog - Chateau de Lordat, France

The Chateau de Lordat is one of the oldest and largest feudal castles in the upper county of Foix. It is a typical example of medieval military architecture in the Ariège Pyrenees. There are only ruins left but after a bit of a hike, you get a really great view from the top of the limestone peak.

Its construction probably dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries because Lordat is first mentioned in writings in 970. Around 1244, it was occupied by the Cathars during the crusade against the Albigenses and then it was seized by the King of Aragon at the end of the 13th century, who demanded its destruction. However, the family of Lordat had a bit of influence and while it wasn't destroyed at that time, the family abandoned the castle. By 1672, the castle is reported as "ruined and abandoned".

It was opened to the public in 2016 and various events take place in the summer months, including falconry shows and treasure hunts.

I'll start with the pictures on the way up, at the small little village of Lordat. Other than a few homes, the only thing really in the village is a little church. But you get a really nice view of the town below and the valley formed by the various peaks of the Pyrenees.

We tried to get a picture of Lucy and the valley, although she was a bit tired after running up the hill ... hence the tongue hanging out!

As you approach from below, you can get a sense of how this would have looked to people approaching in the 1100's.

Then the main entry. There were actually 2 main defensive walls, the wall you see on the right being the first/outer defensive wall and tower. And then the second defensive wall with the rectangular crenellations.

On the north side are the remains of a cistern and several residential buildings that lean up against the interior of the defensive wall.

And then back around to the entry into the inner defensive wall and a couple views over the valley.

Lucy was quite happy with the Chateau!