Ruines du château de Ventadour

At an altitude of 562m, on a rocky spur 200m above the Gorges de la Luzège, the imposing ruins of the Château de Ventadour stand on a site which evokes both the power of the feudal system in medieval times and the emergence of courtly love to which the name of the troubadour Bernart de Ventadour is indelibly linked. For over a century during the 12C and 13C, the Château de Ventadour was one of the most important centres of artistic creativity in the whole of the Languedoc region. Eble II, viscount of the Château de Ventadour, was considered a master in the art of the “trobar” (a specialist form of troubadour poetry). It was in this cultured environment that Bernart de Ventadour developed his poetic skills. Only the ramparts, round tower, seigneurial dwelling and St George chapel remain from the original castle. Site currently under restoration. Guided tours or unaccompanied visits for individuals, 10am-noon and 2-6pm, daily in July and August; monday to friday, 2-6pm, from 15 to 30 June and from 1 to 16 September. Guided tours throughout the year for groups, Monday to Friday, by prior arrangement only (minimum of 10 participants). Duration: 1hr. Entrance fee. Free tours and admission on National Heritage Days on 15 and 16 September 2012.