Picture Day Friday

A Public Service Announcement: This medieval fortress in the Corbières region of the South of France is for sale (price by inquiry only), should you be interested in a vacation home or relocating there permanently. It is located near the village of Saint-André-de-Roquelongue in the Départment d'Aude.

This paltry 247-acre estate at a mere 590 feet above sea level was acquired and fortified by the powerful Narbonne family in 978 CE. Due to its strategic location and strength and the power and wealth of its owners, the castle has attractd its share of tumultous events in its 1000 years of history. As a Cathar fortress in the 13th century, it underwent the depredations and ruination forced on all Cathars in the High and Late Middle Ages. In the 16th century, the Narbonnes sold it "to an Italian family and the surrounding land turned into a farming estate with several houses. During the 18th century, the castle was abandoned and gradually fell into ruin. Classified as a historic building in 1926, the property was sold in 1990 to private owners who have restored it."

While retaining some original buildings, such as the 10th century chapel within the castle, it was continuously remodeled throughout its history and boasts a 13th-century keep and round tower, battlemented walls from the 15th century, an outstanding water storage tank from 17th, and a large guard room from an unknown period. The local area includes Fontfroide Abbey, a Cistercian monastery also founded by the Narbonnes in 1093.

For more information and pricing, please contact Patrice Besse, who specializes in French castles and historic buildings, at your earliest convenience. Enjoy!