Château de Cuzorn, Medieval fortress ruins near Cuzorn, France

Château de Cuzorn is a medieval fortress set on a rocky cliff above the Lémance Valley with views reaching across the landscape. Its remaining walls display the defensive design methods of the period, built with layered stone meant to withstand attacks.

The castrum of Cuzorn appears in the correspondence of the Count of Toulouse's administration in 1270, suggesting it was built between 1260 and 1270. In 1271 its consuls swore allegiance to the king of France through Guillaume de Cohardon. An English company held the castle for decades until the sénéchal of Quercy besieged it in August 1442 with war machines; its defences were dismantled after the siege.

The name Cuzorn first appears in a 1242 inscription found in the ruins of Belleperche Abbey, mentioning a certain B. de Cuzorn. In 1442 the seneschal of Quercy proposed to the Estates of Quercy a siege of the castle, then the last English garrison; the defences were dismantled after that siege. The site is now listed as a monument historique inscrit.

The site sits on a rocky cliff with steep edges, so wear sturdy footwear and move carefully when exploring. Access can be tricky in wet weather, so check local conditions before planning your visit.

Cuzorn was the last English garrison in the region: in August 1442 the seneschal of Quercy led a force with war machines against it, and the castle's defences were dismantled after the siege. The site was chosen for a narrow passage of the Lémance valley, controlling access to it.