Discover the castles less than 30 minutes from Toulouse

Merville
Culture and Heritage

If Toulouse is today classified as a " City of Art and History ", it is thanks to its rich heritage, particularly Renaissance. But the Garonne and the Pastel trade allowed the construction of many residences and castles, all around the " pink city ". Whether you are a fan of old stones, beautiful parks and gardens, or incredible stories, these monuments welcome you for a visit, a meal or a stay. So, if the life of castles makes you dream, we will take you for a little tour less than 30 minutes around Toulouse.

Opening photo: Merville Castle

Merville Castle, a remarkable garden

Merville Castle dates back to the 18th century. It can be visited in its entirety and you can admire this pink brick construction so typical of the region, the beautiful pieces of its period furniture and exceptional tapestries. Different routes allow you to wander according to your wishes in its listed gardens. At the heart of its park, there is the largest boxwood maze in Europe. There are also activities for Easter, Halloween...

Photo © Merville Castle

Bonrepos-Riquet Castle

The Bonrepos-Riquet estate consists of several buildings: a 17th century castle, an orangery, and outbuildings. Its park contains a rock cave and an icehouse. But what makes this castle unique are the remains of the Riquet test basins, which were used for the construction of the Canal du Midi.

The castle of Laréole

Laréole Castle was built in the 16th century. Its architecture is typical of the Renaissance. It offers guided tours during the summer and a music festival in the summer. It hosts contemporary art exhibitions, as well as a bookstore specializing in the Renaissance and the Toulouse region.

Read our report on the Château de la Réole.

Laréole Castle @ Charline Prod'homme

The Garrigue Castle

It is an original 19th century residence, with a violin-shaped swimming pool and a piano-shaped room! This nod to its former owner brings a touch of originality to private events or evenings. To enjoy its beautiful flowered park and its artificial lake, in complete tranquility, luxurious rooms and a gourmet restaurant are at your disposal.

The castle of Loubens-Laurageais

This fortified castle has seen 22 generations of the same family pass through! Still inhabited, it is only accessible to groups. For individuals, you have to wait for the " Heritage Days " in September and the " Rendez-vous au jardin " in June. If you are one of these privileged people, you will visit several reception rooms and the underground office areas. Outside, you can wander through its park and terraced gardens. Its former grain lofts have been transformed into an exhibition hall.

Loubens-Lauragais Castle. Photo credit: Jcb-caz-11 CC BY-SA 4.0

Valmirande Castle

It's an astonishing castle, nicknamed the "Little Chambord of the Pyrenees" and yet it was built at the end of the 19th century. Since the interior is not accessible, the whole point of the visit is to stroll through its gardens, with your nose in the air to admire, in all its facets, this true gem of neo-Renaissance architecture !

Valmirande Castle. Photo credit: Florent Pécassou CC BY-SA 3.0

Drudas Castle

This charming 18th-century residence welcomes you to its gourmet restaurant. You can also stay in beautiful rooms and suites, and enjoy its relaxation area, with spa and jacuzzi.

Launac Castle

It is an old medieval fortress from the 12th century, transformed into a luxurious reception space, for private or professional events, with accommodation possibilities. It has retained its authenticity and majesty.

The Varennes Castle

This beautiful building is a comfortable place to stay in guest rooms, gites or lodges, in the heart of a wooded park. Its century-old trees, its magnificent view of the Pyrenees and its swimming pool offer peace and serenity to its guests.

That concludes our tour of the beautiful castles around Toulouse. All these beautiful residences have surely inspired you for your next stay in the region.

If you want to know more about the Haute Garonne, Ariège and Pyrenees regions, visit our page.
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