Château de Saint-Laurent-les-Tours, Medieval fortress in Saint-Laurent-les-Tours, France
Château de Saint-Laurent-les-Tours is a medieval fortress sitting on a hill above the Bave Valley, with two square towers and sections of fortified walls still visible. The building contains multiple rooms and levels that reflect its long history of military use and later transformation into an art museum.
The fortress was built in the 7th century and remained under the control of the Turenne family for eight centuries until the French Revolution changed its ownership. Later developments led to its conversion into a museum during the 20th century.
The building houses the Jean Lurçat Museum, displaying tapestries and ceramics the artist created during his time working there. His studio was a place where creativity flourished in the decades after World War II.
The castle is generally open to visitors from April through September with guided tours available through the museum collections and architectural spaces. It is helpful to check in advance about any special events or extended hours that may apply during your visit.
During World War II the building served as a hidden base for Radio Quercy, a resistance broadcasting operation that transmitted from within its walls. This lesser-known chapter reveals how the site played a role beyond its medieval military past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
