The Château de Saissac
Find out how the Château de Saissac was transformed over the centuries from a medieval castle into a 16th-century artillery fortress, and relive the legend of the château’s treasure!
A MONUMENT OF THE CATHAR COUNTRY
Erected below the village, the fortifications of the Château de Saissac are directly below the Vernassonne ravine.
It is one of the oldest monuments in the Cathar country. The first records of the château date back to the 10th century.
The Saissac family came into being during the 11th century. In the 12th century, Bertrand de Saissac was the most prominent family member, known as the protector of troubadours and Cathars.
In 1209, the Albigensian Crusade began (1209–1229). In order to avoid a bloodbath, the lords of Saissac surrendered. The Château de Saissac was taken over by Bouchard de Marly, a comrade of Simon de Montfort.
In the 16th century, the castle was in the hands of the Bernuy rich merchant family, who made their fortune in the woad trade. The family restored the castle to transform it into a residential Renaissance-style château. Later on, the Clermond-Lodève family took on the ownership and made it more suitable for artillery purposes.
At the end of the 18th century, during the French Revolution, the castle was sold as a property belonging to the nation. It fell into the hands of various treasure-seeking families. As with many castles, stories abounded of hidden treasure in the Château de Saissac. The castle was repeatedly torn apart and searched, which at least in part explains its current state.
VISITING THE CHÂTEAU DE SAISSAC
Venture inside the Château de Saissac. You’ll be impressed by the extraordinary dimensions of the monument, which was built across staggered terraces making it 115 metres long, and the keep is almost 20 metres high!
The visitor’s tour was designed to make it easy to visit the monument. Below the castle, you’ll also be able to see the remaining ruins of the ancient village of Saissac.
You can also go on an immersive tour of the château thanks to the Cathar country applications.
The ‘Pays Cathare, le guide’ (Cathar Country, the guide) application provides information about the castle’s history and its remarkable features. As you listen to the explanations, you’ll come across Bertrand de Saissac, a famous local and protector of the troubadours during these troubled times marked by the wars of religion.
The ‘Castrum, le jeu’ (Castrum, the game) application will be a hit with younger visitors, who can visit the castle with a series of mini games.
These two applications also guarantee a great experience at the four Châteaus of Lastours.
If you are coming to the Château de Saissac as a group, guided tours can be booked in advance.
THE TREASURE OF SAISSAC
Your exploration will also include the discovery of the treasure of Saissac!
Did you know that in 1979, a chest filled with 2,000 13th-century Royal pieces of silver was found during some public works? This is the most significant Royal treasure ever found in Languedoc.
Visitors can find out all about the treasure thanks to the displays in two exhibition rooms in the parts of the castle built during the Renaissance.
In the first room, there’s a fun exhibition that showcases all the different types of ‘treasures’. The second room is devoted to medieval currency, with displays focusing on the extraction of minerals up to how the coins were used for trade.
After this visit, you’ll be able to enjoy the most beautiful of treasures: the stunning panoramic view of the Pyrenees.
THE 'MÉDIÉVALES DE SAISSAC’
Every year, the first weekend in August, the Château de Saissac is transformed into a medieval camp : “Les médiévales de Saissac“.
Knights and ladies wander around the castle grounds, making you feel like you’ve travelled back to the medieval era!
You can expect recreated scenes of everyday life, entertainment and food & drink!
Erected below the village, the fortifications of the Château de Saissac are directly below the Vernassonne ravine.
It is one of the oldest monuments in the Cathar country. The first records of the château date back to the 10th century.
The Saissac family came into being during the 11th century. In the 12th century, Bertrand de Saissac was the most prominent family member, known as the protector of troubadours and Cathars.
In 1209, the Albigensian Crusade began (1209–1229). In order to avoid a bloodbath, the lords of Saissac surrendered. The Château de Saissac was taken over by Bouchard de Marly, a comrade of Simon de Montfort.
In the 16th century, the castle was in the hands of the Bernuy rich merchant family, who made their fortune in the woad trade. The family restored the castle to transform it into a residential Renaissance-style château. Later on, the Clermond-Lodève family took on the ownership and made it more suitable for artillery purposes.
At the end of the 18th century, during the French Revolution, the castle was sold as a property belonging to the nation. It fell into the hands of various treasure-seeking families. As with many castles, stories abounded of hidden treasure in the Château de Saissac. The castle was repeatedly torn apart and searched, which at least in part explains its current state.
VISITING THE CHÂTEAU DE SAISSAC
Venture inside the Château de Saissac. You’ll be impressed by the extraordinary dimensions of the monument, which was built across staggered terraces making it 115 metres long, and the keep is almost 20 metres high!
The visitor’s tour was designed to make it easy to visit the monument. Below the castle, you’ll also be able to see the remaining ruins of the ancient village of Saissac.
You can also go on an immersive tour of the château thanks to the Cathar country applications.
The ‘Pays Cathare, le guide’ (Cathar Country, the guide) application provides information about the castle’s history and its remarkable features. As you listen to the explanations, you’ll come across Bertrand de Saissac, a famous local and protector of the troubadours during these troubled times marked by the wars of religion.
The ‘Castrum, le jeu’ (Castrum, the game) application will be a hit with younger visitors, who can visit the castle with a series of mini games.
These two applications also guarantee a great experience at the four Châteaus of Lastours.
If you are coming to the Château de Saissac as a group, guided tours can be booked in advance.
THE TREASURE OF SAISSAC
Your exploration will also include the discovery of the treasure of Saissac!
Did you know that in 1979, a chest filled with 2,000 13th-century Royal pieces of silver was found during some public works? This is the most significant Royal treasure ever found in Languedoc.
Visitors can find out all about the treasure thanks to the displays in two exhibition rooms in the parts of the castle built during the Renaissance.
In the first room, there’s a fun exhibition that showcases all the different types of ‘treasures’. The second room is devoted to medieval currency, with displays focusing on the extraction of minerals up to how the coins were used for trade.
After this visit, you’ll be able to enjoy the most beautiful of treasures: the stunning panoramic view of the Pyrenees.
THE 'MÉDIÉVALES DE SAISSAC’
Every year, the first weekend in August, the Château de Saissac is transformed into a medieval camp : “Les Médiévales de Saissac“.
Knights and ladies wander around the castle grounds, making you feel like you’ve travelled back to the medieval era!
You can expect recreated scenes of everyday life, entertainment and food & drink!
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Opening hours
- Closed in January
- February, March, November and December: 10am > 5pm (weekends, public holidays and school holidays)
- April to June and September: 10am > 6pm
- July and August: 9am > 8pm (closed on 13 July)
- October: 10am > 5pm
- Ticket office closes 30 min before closing time
PRICES
- Adults: €5
- Children (6-15 years old): €3
- Concessions: €4
Contact :
- +33 (0) 4 68 24 46 01
- chateausaissac@orange.fr
- rue Bertrand de Saissac, 11310 SAISSAC
