Château des Bourines, Medieval castle in Bertholène, France.
The Château des Bourines is a castle with a rectangular keep and four corner towers, surrounded by a fortified wall that encloses the courtyard. Living quarters adjoin the main structure, creating a compact defensive layout.
The castle began as a grain store in the 13th century for the Hospital of Aubrac, a religious institution managing regional supplies. It was reinforced into a fortress during the Hundred Years War to defend the surrounding area.
The chapel inside the courtyard dates from the 15th century and displays vaulted ceilings that remain visible today. A stone cross from 1579 on the northern facade recalls the religious importance of this place for those who once lived here.
The structure sits on a hillside accessible by a walk uphill from the village of Bertholène. Ground conditions vary with the season, so wearing sturdy footwear helps you navigate the site comfortably.
The castle was used as a filming location for two French movies: Malevil in 1981 and Fanfan la Tulipe in 2003. These productions introduced the site to a wider audience, though it remains lesser known to casual travelers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
