Château de Mélac, Saint-Rome-de-Cernon, France

Château de Mélac is a rare fortified wealthy house of the southern Rouergue was built between the 14th and the 16th centuries. The castle has four main buildings which are interconnected by towers (Renaissance tower) and form an amazing inner courtyard with arcades.

The castle forms a very contrasted ensemble because of its different architectural styles: exceptional interior courtyard with arcades supporting the galleries on two levels, 15th century watchtower with its original bombards, Renaissance round tower and its cupola storeys, vaulted guards room with rib tufa stone dating from the 14th century, large rougier sandstone fireplace, epic narrative about Dieudonné de Gozon, Grand Master of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

During the summer season, enjoy Les Musicales de Mélac festival which is held in the castle inner courtyard.

References:

Tourisme Aveyron

User Reviews

C V (9 months ago)
Only open weekends July & August, afternoons only. Maybe worth phoning beforehand. An interesting Chateau in private hands, that is also the owner's residence. Has been partially restored after being knocked about for the last 300 years. Not one of the greats, but certainly worth visiting if you're in the area. A pleasant owner. Note that there are private areas in the chateau that members of the public are not allowed to view.

Carole Guide (12 months ago)
Disappointed to find the door closed in April. Please note: visits only in summer. Nothing around to visit. No small village around.

Delta Mike (2 years ago)
Very nice discovery. The owner is very pleasant, and not stingy with explanations. We learned a lot during this visit. The difference between lair, castle etc... The interior courtyard is magnificent.

david (2 years ago)
Superb renovation of this old haunt turned castle. Private guided tour with the owner of the place. Extra to do in July August far from the world

Francois Diaz (2 years ago)
Beautiful villages

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Roman Moško

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