Château d'Entraygues

Château d'Entraygues is a medieval fortress located where the Lot and Truyère rivers meet, featuring three massive towers with walls two meters thick at their base. Rectangular buildings connect these towers, forming a compact defensive structure designed for river control.

The fortress was built in 1278 by Henri II of Rodez as a military stronghold to secure the vital river crossing. During the Wars of Religion in 1588, a Huguenot captain captured it through strategic tactics, resulting in significant architectural changes.

The fortress displays typical medieval defensive features such as arrow slits and thick walls built to control the river crossing below. Visitors can observe these elements directly and understand how the location was strategically fortified.

The fortress grounds now house a primary school and boarding facility, so visitors can observe the exterior throughout the year. It is best to view and photograph the exterior from different positions along the riverbanks to capture all angles of the three towers.

The fortress was captured through clever tactics during a surprise attack in 1588, with the Huguenot leader relying on strategic skill rather than direct force. This unexpected takeover led to structural modifications that remain visible in the building today.