Château de Saint-Félix-Lauragais, castle in Occitania, France
Château de Saint-Félix-Lauragais is a stone castle perched on a hillside in the village of Saint-Félix-Lauragais, overlooking the surrounding countryside. The structure features a roughly trapezoidal layout with thick defensive walls, a circular watchtower, a chapel, and rooms that reflect construction from the medieval period through the Renaissance era.
The castle's earliest recorded mention dates to 1035 when it was built as a fortified stronghold with a tower. In the 13th century, Simon de Montfort destroyed the original structure during a crusade, but it was subsequently rebuilt with reinforced walls and additional defensive features.
The castle's name comes from Saint-Félix, an early Christian martyr venerated in this region during the Middle Ages. For centuries, the site served as a center of local authority and identity where noble families resided and made decisions affecting the surrounding villages.
The castle is open from spring through September with visiting hours varying by season. The walk up the hillside provides views of surrounding landscapes, and parking is available near the village below.
A famous local legend tells that crusader Simon de Montfort threw his sword into the castle well, where it allegedly remains visible to this day. This anecdote has been passed down through generations and is part of the village's folklore.
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