Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20
After 18 years of exemplary restoration, the Château de Bournazel has completed its project to restore this historic monument to its 16th-century splendor. For the European Heritage Days, on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, the public will be able to admire this jewel of Aveyron’s heritage.
The Château de Bournazel, built by Jean de Buisson and Charlotte de Mancip between 1540 and 1560, is considered one of the most important examples of 16th-century architecture in Occitanie. The Renaissance and its return to the classical ideals of ancient Rome illuminate the rich sculpture of the façade, softened by the passage of time. The classical architectural orders of Vitruvius are superimposed. Bournazel offers an exceptional decor with antique ornaments in a complex iconographic program.
Completely looted after the Revolution, the château once again boasts a rich collection of furniture, objets d’art, and paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Originating from all corners of Europe, the collection has been expanded over the years by the owners, who have created a veritable Renaissance château-museum.
Whether for a first-time visit or a return visit to admire the completed restoration, the European Heritage Days offer the perfect opportunity to discover the château and its collection. Led by a guide, this tour immerses visitors in the atmosphere of a bygone golden age.
Beginning on the ground floor, visitors are led through a succession of rooms, each with its own distinct character thanks to the collection that brings the architectural spaces to life. The décor, furnishings, and paintings illustrate what the Renaissance was all about. The ground floor tour is complemented by the impressive ballroom, which dominates the layout of the East Wing. Having been destroyed by fire during the French Revolution, this grand reception space has now been fully restored and provides a key to understanding Bournazel as a 16th-century pleasure palace.
Continuing the tour, the guide accompanies visitors to the first floor of the North Wing to discover a suite of rooms that were once the private apartments of Charlotte de Mancip and Jean de Buisson. Visitors will discover a rich decor, including frescos, sculpted fireplaces, and period furniture and paintings.
The tour concludes with a walk through the first-floor gallery, offering a breathtaking view of the main courtyard. Afterwards, visitors are free to explore the grounds at their leisure.
The garden of Bournazel was created in the 16th century by the architect responsible for the east wing and the grand staircase. It comprises two distinct areas: the orchard and the enclosed garden, bordered by a high stone wall, which contains flowerbeds and sculpted parterres, a maze, fountains, a large pond, and a garden of “rooms”. Destroyed during the Wars of Religion and subsequently abandoned over the centuries, the garden has recently been recreated based on the results of archaeological excavations and archival research. In January 2019, these efforts and meticulous attention to detail were rewarded with the designation of “Jardin remarquable”.
Whether you are a heritage enthusiast or simply curious, alone or with your family, the European Heritage Days at Bournazel offer a unique experience in the Aveyron region.
Practical Information
Guided tours are scheduled every 15 to 20 minutes on Saturday between 2 pm and 6 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 12 pm and then from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Visits conducted in French
No reservation required.
Special rate for European Heritage Days: €7.50 (free for children under 6).
Entrance: Place du Foirail, 12390 Bournazel
Parking: Route du Cayrou
