Historical background of Château des Roure
The castle was originally a guard post above the old road to the Pont d’Arc, a stronghold of Huguenot history and, of course, of the Camisard struggles.
The present fabric of the castle dates back to the end of the 14th or the beginning of the 15th century. Until 1825 it was privately owned by the family of Pierre de Beauvoir de Grimoard of Roure.
The castle was fiercely contested during the so-called Wars of Religion. In 1628 the Count of Rohan, a Huguenot leader, found refuge and asylum here.
On the orders of Louis XIII, Richelieu had all the fortifications of the castle and the village closed in 1629.
After the Edict of Nantes was revoked in 1685, the Count of Roure renounced Protestantism and converted to the Catholic faith. Finally, in 1703, the Camisard leader Jean Cavalier besieged the castle and was held responsible for the burning of the church, which was probably Catholic at the time.
Present-day use
In the village of Labastide-de-Virac, the Château des Roure, which has been a listed monument since 1978, is open to visitors.
Several rooms house a silkworm farm, offering fascinating insights into silk production, from the silkworm egg to the cocoon and from the moth to the finished silk, as well as its processing. A look back at the work of the breeders in former times and at their mulberry plantations is also possible.
Visiting hours are daily from 10 am to 7 pm in July and August. From Easter to 30 June and in September it is open daily except Wednesdays from 2 pm to 6 pm. From March to October, groups can visit the castle by prior arrangement. Visitors arriving by car can also park on the castle square. Visits are offered with expert guides. Admission is EUR 3.90 for children aged 6 to 12 and EUR 6.50 for adults when the castle and the silkworm museum are visited together. For the silkworm museum alone, adults pay EUR 4.60 and children aged 6 to 12 pay EUR 2.90. There is also a flat rate for everyone: EUR 4.90 for children aged 6 to 12 and EUR 8.50 for adults.
Reservations can be made by telephone on 00 33 4 75 38 61 13 or by fax on 00 33 4 75 38 68 28. On the internet, you will also find a contact form at http://www.chateaudesroure.com.
Information without guarantee