Travel back in time to the Château de Laréole

During your stay in Haute-Garonne, don't forget to stop by Laréole Castle. Its original exterior makes it one of the department's landmarks. The centuries have passed, as have the lines of brick and stone of the castle walls. Since 1984, it has been owned by the Haute-Garonne General Council and has undergone extensive renovations. It is now in remarkable condition and open to the public free of charge.

The history of the castle in a few words

In 1579, Pierre de Cheverry, a Toulouse resident who had succeeded in his pastel work, commissioned the French architect Dominique Bachelier to build a Renaissance château that he would use as a second home, but also to host receptions and entertain his loved ones. He wanted to stand out and attract attention , and to do so, he commissioned a "striped" château, alternating bricks and white stones.

The castle remained in the family until 1707. Jean-Pierre Colomès, a wealthy banker from Toulouse, took possession of it and transformed it somewhat.

During the Revolution, the owners followed one another.

Then, between 1922 and 1984, it was abandoned. Plants then took over the building, climbing up to the roofs. The Haute-Garonne General Council acquired it in 1984 and undertook major restoration work.

Photo showing the state of the abandoned castle

The special features of Château Laréole

The first feature that will catch your eye will undoubtedly be the astonishing polychromy: the alternating lines of brick and stone. But that's not the only one.

The alternation of colored lines gives a very particular style to the building

Thus, although it was built as a second home, the Château de Laréole nonetheless has some airs of a defensive castle. Indeed, from the outside you will notice the presence of moats, towers and guardhouses. This is explained by the period in which it was built: we are in the heart of the Wars of Religion.

The moats and the entrance to the castle demonstrate the defensive character of the building

But once you enter its inner courtyard, you'll immediately notice the transition. The decorative and aesthetic spirit takes precedence over the defensive function. And the passageway brings lightness and beauty to the otherwise imposing building.

The castle corridor joining the Monsieur wing and the Madame wing

You may notice during your visit that "trompe l'oeil" is used several times in this castle: in the windows visible from the interior courtyard, but also in the Madame wing (faux marble).

The second owner moved in year-round, and he also made some changes that you can see from the inner courtyard: the arcades are full and the stripes are no longer visible. This means that he closed them off to use them as rooms.

The old arcades are still visible from the inner courtyard

practical information

Access to the castle and its gardens is free, as are the exhibitions set up in the reception room and the Lucien Vieillard room.

In May and June, the castle opens its doors to you on weekends, Wednesdays, and public holidays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In July and August, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and in September, it welcomes you on weekends, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

From May to September, free guided tours are available. The tour should last approximately 45 minutes, depending on the group size, participation, and interaction with the guide. The guided tour is ideal for families. The guides know how to engage young visitors by engaging them.

Take part in the guided tour, suitable for young and old!

The reception hall and the various rooms of the château, as well as the Lucien Vieillard Hall and the gardens, host exhibitions and other events starting in spring. Don't hesitate to consult the program.

The Lucien Vieillard room hosts numerous exhibitions

An artist exhibiting his works in the different rooms of the castle

We hope that the discovery of this exceptional and unusual place has transported you back in time and that you come away captivated by the beauty and authenticity of this incredibly unique site.

If you appreciate beautiful stone and buildings bearing witness to past eras, you can visit the 13th-century fortified town of Grenade-sur-Garonne, and discover its medieval market hall and the former Ursuline convent in particular.

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Article and photos prepared by Charline Prod'Homme