Castle of Cabrières

The Castle of Cabrières is a medieval ruin in a southern French village with two defensive towers flanking a central square keep. This arrangement reflects the typical military design of 12th-century fortifications in the region.

The castle was first built in 1070 as a fortified structure. It changed hands several times over the centuries and served as a garrison during the Hundred Years War around 1431.

Opera singer Emma Calvé purchased the castle in 1900 and established a singing school there, turning it into a space devoted to artistic pursuits. The presence of this school left a lasting mark on how people viewed and used the site.

The ruins are accessible from the village center through country pathways that are easy to follow. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step as the ground is uneven and some sections may be unstable.

Local records mention that Théodebert, who would later become king of Austrasia, left the castle with Countess Deoteria, who carried vine cuttings to Lorraine. This connection ties the castle to early medieval viticulture across two distant regions.

Location: Cabrières

GPS coordinates: 43.56844,3.34739

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:23