Château de Bournazel

The origins of the Château de Bournazel date back to the 13th century, with two towers still bearing witness to this period. Between 1540 and 1560, Jean de Buisson, an experienced soldier and son of a merchant, had a new Renaissance castle built on the grounds inherited from his wife. He commissioned the master mason Guillaume Lissorgues, who unfortunately died in an accident on the construction site. This resulted in only two wings being completed out of the originally planned square structure. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times and was plundered and subsequently abandoned during the French Revolution. In the 19th century, a renovation was planned by the Count of Marigny but not implemented. It briefly served as a convalescent home in 1949. From 2007, the current owners, Gérald and Martine Harlin, began extensive restoration, including the reconstruction of the east wing and a corner tower to restore its original structure. For these efforts, they received the “Grand Trophée de la restauration Dassault Histoire et Patrimoine” in 2021.

The Château de Bournazel is located in the commune of Bournazel in the Aveyron department, within the Midi-Pyrénées region of France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 513 meters above sea level.

Today, the Château de Bournazel is privately owned and serves as a living monument. Visitors can explore a Renaissance staircase with stone vaults, as well as furnished rooms adorned with paintings, tapestries, and art objects, each featuring monumental fireplaces. The castle also houses a collection of 16th and 17th-century paintings, Renaissance furniture, and a 17th-century chapel. The castle's gardens have been designated a “Jardin remarquable” since 2018. The castle is accessible from April to the end of October, and year-round for groups.

• Château de Belcastel (castle), approx. 8.4 km away
• Château Inférieur (castle), approx. 13.4 km away
• Château d'Onet-le-Château (castle), approx. 20.6 km away
• Donjon Capdenac (castle), approx. 22.7 km away