Château de Saint-Ferriol

Château de Saint-Ferriol is a castle built on a ridge with a rectangular main structure flanked by two wings extending from the core. The layout takes advantage of the elevated location to survey the valleys on both the northern and southern sides.

First documented in 1155, the current building was constructed in the late 1500s when military innovations made traditional fortification designs obsolete. This shift reflected broader changes in how defensive structures were designed across Europe.

The castle displays a coat of arms from 1630 featuring a lion and three-towered fortress, reflecting the heraldic traditions of French nobility. Six monumental fireplaces throughout the interior show how members of the household organized their daily living spaces.

The property is undergoing ongoing restoration work with opportunities for volunteers to participate in gardening, structural repairs, and archaeological investigations on site. Visitors should check current access conditions before planning a visit.

Two bastions were quarried away by local residents during the French Revolution to obtain building stone, leaving permanent marks on the fortress outline. These modifications were never fully restored, making the asymmetry part of the castle's current form.

Location: Saint-Ferriol

GPS coordinates: 42.89182,2.22468

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:27