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History
Evidence of settlement at Brametourte dates back to pre-roman times, with fertile land, ready supplies of water and a
south facing hill for defence and shelter, making it an ideal location.
The Château at Brametourte was founded as an 11th century keep. This ‘batiment’ was developed over five centuries
until it became a fortified castle complete with grand gothic and renaissance fireplaces, a central cobbled courtyard with
gothic arches and four look-out towers. Each of the four corner towers were strategically positioned on a corner of the
castle for improved visibility of the surrounding countryside and to strengthen the vulnerable corners. One tower
contained a secured well at the ground floor level [protecting the water supply from being poisoned] and a chapel of
worship above. The lower half of the Château had arrow slits and the upper half - tall, narrow, stone mullioned
windows. The fort was surrounded by a deep dry moat and underneath, its substantial cellars contained food and wine
storage areas and dungeons as well as an entrance to an underground escape tunnel that came out in the local village
church.
Thus, during the turbulent medieval centuries, the occupants of Château Brametourte were able to defend themselves
‘architecturally’ and to survive within the walls for many months, confident in the knowledge of a secret escape route if
required.
Such a strong hold was vital during the turbulent medieval ages of Cathar martyrdom, land seizures by Knights of the
Templar and feudal battles between local war lords.
Records show that the Château passed through the ownership of Lords, Barons and Viscounts throughout the medieval
era including the ancestors of the nineteenth century artist, Toulouse-Lautrec.
Under the Vicomte de Turenne, the Château became a Protestant centre for the Wars of Religion in the 1580s.
A diary entry from 1580 records:-
‘On August 28, the Vicomte of Turenne, with guns and horses, obliged the Castle of Brametourte to surrender without
resistance and to receive garrison.’
In 1592 Henry IV made Turenne - Marshal of France in recognition of his loyalty and sent him to form a strong
relationship on behalf of France with Queen Elizabeth 1st of England.
In the following years the Château fell into disrepair, being badly damaged during the Religious Wars.
Since then, very few alterations have taken place within the Château, unlike many others from this period which have
added panelling, plaster ceilings and extensive changes to the windows and doors. Therefore Château Brametourte
provides a unique opportunity to experience the undisturbed architecture of a French country Château from the middle
ages to the Renaissance period.
Evidence of settlement at Brametourte dates back to pre-roman times, with fertile land, ready supplies of water and a
south facing hill for defence and shelter, making it an ideal location.
The Château at Brametourte was founded as an 11th century keep. This ‘batiment’ was developed over five centuries
until it became a fortified castle complete with grand gothic and renaissance fireplaces, a central cobbled courtyard with
gothic arches and four look-out towers. Each of the four corner towers were strategically positioned on a corner of the
castle for improved visibility of the surrounding countryside and to strengthen the vulnerable corners. One tower
contained a secured well at the ground floor level [protecting the water supply from being poisoned] and a chapel of
worship above. The lower half of the Château had arrow slits and the upper half - tall, narrow, stone mullioned
windows. The fort was surrounded by a deep dry moat and underneath, its substantial cellars contained food and wine
storage areas and dungeons as well as an entrance to an underground escape tunnel that came out in the local village
church.
Thus, during the turbulent medieval centuries, the occupants of Château Brametourte were able to defend themselves
‘architecturally’ and to survive within the walls for many months, confident in the knowledge of a secret escape route if
required.
Such a strong hold was vital during the turbulent medieval ages of Cathar martyrdom, land seizures by Knights of the
Templar and feudal battles between local war lords.
Records show that the Château passed through the ownership of Lords, Barons and Viscounts throughout the medieval
era including the ancestors of the nineteenth century artist, Toulouse-Lautrec.
Under the Vicomte de Turenne, the Château became a Protestant centre for the Wars of Religion in the 1580s.
A diary entry from 1580 records:-
‘On August 28, the Vicomte of Turenne, with guns and horses, obliged the Castle of Brametourte to surrender without
resistance and to receive garrison.’
In 1592 Henry IV made Turenne - Marshal of France in recognition of his loyalty and sent him to form a strong
relationship on behalf of France with Queen Elizabeth 1st of England.
In the following years the Château fell into disrepair, being badly damaged during the Religious Wars.
Since then, very few alterations have taken place within the Château, unlike many others from this period which have
added panelling, plaster ceilings and extensive changes to the windows and doors. Therefore Château Brametourte
provides a unique opportunity to experience the undisturbed architecture of a French country Château from the middle
ages to the Renaissance period.
The Legend of Brametourte
Local villages say that the name Brametourte comes from a legend going
back nearly a thousand years. The Viscount of Toulouse came to visit his
Baron and noticed the beauty of his young daughter. He told the Baron that
she might be a future wife for him and requested that he preserve her purity
for him. She was locked in the tower – now the Troubadour Suite.
Unfortunately the Viscount never came back for her.
Local villages saw her calling and crying from the window and named her
‘Brame’ [crying] ‘Tourte’ [coming from ‘tourterelle’ or ‘turtle dove’]. Sometimes
she reappears in her chamber – dressed in white and crying to be set
free.......
Local villages say that the name Brametourte comes from a legend going
back nearly a thousand years. The Viscount of Toulouse came to visit his
Baron and noticed the beauty of his young daughter. He told the Baron that
she might be a future wife for him and requested that he preserve her purity
for him. She was locked in the tower – now the Troubadour Suite.
Unfortunately the Viscount never came back for her.
Local villages saw her calling and crying from the window and named her
‘Brame’ [crying] ‘Tourte’ [coming from ‘tourterelle’ or ‘turtle dove’]. Sometimes
she reappears in her chamber – dressed in white and crying to be set
free.......
Local Area
Here is an example of some of the local outings you may wish to experience.
A trip to Carcassonne in the Languedoc – the fairy tale hill topped medieval, walled castle and village. You will amble
around the shops for souvenirs and marvel at the stunning ancient architecture. You will learn that the beauty of this
place belies the sad history of its origins. Here the Cathars established a pure and simple religion only to be
slaughtered by the Knights of the Templar – during the 13th century. You may have read ‘Labyrinth’ by Kate Mosse
which helps bring Carcassonne’s turbulent history to life.
You will visit the medieval Canal de Midi – a piece of engineering brilliance built in the medieval period to connect the
Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, for trade purposes. Today, barges and yachts glide gently along the tranquil
waters, shaded by Cyprus and olive trees and surrounded by the beauty of the French countryside.
A trip to a stunning Château vineyard in the local wine growing region - Gaillac. There you will learn about the growing
of grapes, the ‘vendage’ or ‘grape picking’harvest, and the wine. You will be able to sample their finest wines with an
expert who will describe what you should look for when tasting wines.
Every week the local farmers come to sell their vegetables, herbs, plants, bread, meat and livestock at the regional
Farmers Market. The place bustles with activity as the farmer’s wives examine produce and farmers, with berets, catch
up on local gossip, playing cards and drinking pastis in the cafes. Artisans sell their wares such as olive wood carvings,
weaved baskets and hand made garments.
Albi is a medieval town, frozen in time, resting sedately on the banks of the River Tarn. Next to Albi’s cathedral, the
tallest brick building in the world, the Bishops Palace has been converted to a free museum dedicated a famous local
artists – ‘Toulouse Lautrec’. Time can be spent at the museum, taking a boat down the river, exploring and relaxing at a
‘Salon de The’ in the town’s ‘Place’.
Castres has been the centre of leather production for France during the last thousand years – with the medieval
tanneries still in existence along the edges of the town’s river. Castres is a secret gem, off the tourist track, and
represents all that is truly friendly and genuine in the life style that encapsulates Southern France.
No holiday would be complete without a visit to our local village ‘bastide’ – Lautrec. The village is certified as one of
France’s ‘prettiest villages’ and is world famous for its production of pink garlic [’oeil rose’]. A short walk takes you to the
top of the hill in the centre of the village, providing striking 360 degree views.
Depending on the week of your holiday, there will be local cultural fetes and events taking place, such as the Bread
Festival, Garlic Festival, Music Festival or local ‘Brocantes’ or ‘bric a brac / antique markets’.
Here is an example of some of the local outings you may wish to experience.
A trip to Carcassonne in the Languedoc – the fairy tale hill topped medieval, walled castle and village. You will amble
around the shops for souvenirs and marvel at the stunning ancient architecture. You will learn that the beauty of this
place belies the sad history of its origins. Here the Cathars established a pure and simple religion only to be
slaughtered by the Knights of the Templar – during the 13th century. You may have read ‘Labyrinth’ by Kate Mosse
which helps bring Carcassonne’s turbulent history to life.
You will visit the medieval Canal de Midi – a piece of engineering brilliance built in the medieval period to connect the
Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean, for trade purposes. Today, barges and yachts glide gently along the tranquil
waters, shaded by Cyprus and olive trees and surrounded by the beauty of the French countryside.
A trip to a stunning Château vineyard in the local wine growing region - Gaillac. There you will learn about the growing
of grapes, the ‘vendage’ or ‘grape picking’harvest, and the wine. You will be able to sample their finest wines with an
expert who will describe what you should look for when tasting wines.
Every week the local farmers come to sell their vegetables, herbs, plants, bread, meat and livestock at the regional
Farmers Market. The place bustles with activity as the farmer’s wives examine produce and farmers, with berets, catch
up on local gossip, playing cards and drinking pastis in the cafes. Artisans sell their wares such as olive wood carvings,
weaved baskets and hand made garments.
Albi is a medieval town, frozen in time, resting sedately on the banks of the River Tarn. Next to Albi’s cathedral, the
tallest brick building in the world, the Bishops Palace has been converted to a free museum dedicated a famous local
artists – ‘Toulouse Lautrec’. Time can be spent at the museum, taking a boat down the river, exploring and relaxing at a
‘Salon de The’ in the town’s ‘Place’.
Castres has been the centre of leather production for France during the last thousand years – with the medieval
tanneries still in existence along the edges of the town’s river. Castres is a secret gem, off the tourist track, and
represents all that is truly friendly and genuine in the life style that encapsulates Southern France.
No holiday would be complete without a visit to our local village ‘bastide’ – Lautrec. The village is certified as one of
France’s ‘prettiest villages’ and is world famous for its production of pink garlic [’oeil rose’]. A short walk takes you to the
top of the hill in the centre of the village, providing striking 360 degree views.
Depending on the week of your holiday, there will be local cultural fetes and events taking place, such as the Bread
Festival, Garlic Festival, Music Festival or local ‘Brocantes’ or ‘bric a brac / antique markets’.
Restaurants
The area has a range of restaurants available. Here is a selection:-
Good value
Les Terraces bar [5 minutes drive] and restaurant in Lautrec provides pizzas and basic French meals, such as entrecote
and frites, at an affordable price of around €10 without the need to reserve a table.
Medium Budget
The Cuq Bar Restaurant [5 minutes drive] provides a range of good quality, regional menus - including 3 course meal
options between €14 and €25. There is no need to reserve a table and English is spoken.
Fine Dining
Les Secrets Gourmands Restaurant [15 minutes drive] in Realmont provides fine dining menu options starting at €21.
Reservations on 0563790767.
Le Pescadou Restaurant [30 minutes drive] in Castres has an excellent range of fish dinners fresh from the coast for €18
plus. Reservations on 0563790767
L’Alter Ego Restaurant [30 minutes drive] in Labruguiere serves modern and elegant cuisine in a fine old Château from
€30. Reservations on 0563708000
The area has a range of restaurants available. Here is a selection:-
Good value
Les Terraces bar [5 minutes drive] and restaurant in Lautrec provides pizzas and basic French meals, such as entrecote
and frites, at an affordable price of around €10 without the need to reserve a table.
Medium Budget
The Cuq Bar Restaurant [5 minutes drive] provides a range of good quality, regional menus - including 3 course meal
options between €14 and €25. There is no need to reserve a table and English is spoken.
Fine Dining
Les Secrets Gourmands Restaurant [15 minutes drive] in Realmont provides fine dining menu options starting at €21.
Reservations on 0563790767.
Le Pescadou Restaurant [30 minutes drive] in Castres has an excellent range of fish dinners fresh from the coast for €18
plus. Reservations on 0563790767
L’Alter Ego Restaurant [30 minutes drive] in Labruguiere serves modern and elegant cuisine in a fine old Château from
€30. Reservations on 0563708000
Other Links
Tarn Property Services
Find Property in South West France whether it be a farm house, village or town house for sale or a château, they will
help find it for you. Tarn Property Services work exclusively for the buyer.
Tarn Property Services
Find Property in South West France whether it be a farm house, village or town house for sale or a château, they will
help find it for you. Tarn Property Services work exclusively for the buyer.
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