Discover the castles less than 30 minutes from Toulouse

If Toulouse is now classified as a “ City of Art and History ”, it is thanks to its rich heritage, especially Renaissance . But the Garonne and the pastel trade allowed the construction of many houses and castles , all around the " pink city ". Whether you are a lover of old stones , beautiful parks and gardens , or incredible stories , these monuments welcome you for a visit, a meal or a stay . So, if the life of castles makes you dream, we take you for a little tour less than 30 minutes around Toulouse.

Photo dopenning : Le Château de Merville

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Merville castle, a remarkable garden

The castle of Merville of 18 ^th century. It can be visited entirely and you can admire this construction of pink bricks so typical of the region , the beautiful pieces of its period furniture and exceptional tapestries . Different routes allow you to wander as you wish in its listed gardens . At the heart of its park is the largest boxwood labyrinth in Europe . There is also entertainment for Easter, Halloween ...

Bonrepos-Riquet castle

The area of Bonrepos-Riquet consists of several buildings: the castle of the ^17th century orangery common. Its park houses a rock cave and an icehouse . But what makes this castle unique are the remains of the Riquet test basins , which were used for the construction of the Canal du Midi .

Laréole castle

The castle Laréole was built in the ^16th century. Its architecture is typical of the Renaissance . It offers guided tours during the summer and a summer music festival . It hosts contemporary art exhibitions , but also a bookstore specializing in the Renaissance and the Toulouse region.

The castle of the Garrigue

It is an original 19th ^century residence , with a swimming pool in the shape of a violin and a room in the shape of a piano! This nod to its former owner brings a touch of originality to private events or parties . To enjoy its beautiful flowered park and its artificial lake , in complete tranquility, luxurious rooms and a gourmet restaurant are at your disposal.

Loubens-Laurageais castle

This fortified castle has seen 22 generations of the same family ! Still inhabited, it is only accessible to groups. For individuals, you have to wait for the “ Heritage Days ” in September and the “ Rendez-vous au jardin ” in June. If you are one of these privileged people, you will visit several reception rooms and the underground parts of the office. Outside, you stroll through its park and terrace gardens . Its former granaries are transformed into an exhibition hall.

The castle of Valmirande

This is an amazing castle, nicknamed the "Little Chambord Pyrenees" and yet it was built in the late ^19th century. The interior is not accessible, the whole point of the visit is to stroll in its gardens, the nose in the air to admire, in all its facets, this true jewel of neo-renaissance architecture !

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Drudas castle

This charming ^18th century welcomes you in a gourmet restaurant. You can also stay in beautiful rooms and suites , and enjoy its relaxation area, with spa and jacuzzi .

Launac castle

It is an ancient medieval fortress of the ^12th century, transformed into a luxurious reception area, for private or professional events, with accommodation options. She knew how to keep her authenticity and her majesty .

The Varennes castle

This beautiful building is a comfortable place to stay in guest rooms, cottages or lodges , in the heart of a wooded park. Its hundred-year-old trees , its magnificent view of the Pyrenees and its swimming pool offer calm and serenity to its guests.

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• Here is our tour of the beautiful castles around Toulouse finished. All these beautiful residences have surely inspired you for your next stay in the region. If you want to know more to better know the territories of Haute Garonne, Ariège and Pyrenees, consult our page .
• To organize your stay more easily, discover our “ Around me ” option: Our geolocation service helps you find nearby tours and activities, a restaurant, or your accommodation .

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Article written by Stéphanie Tempier for the Toulouse Pyrénées Guide.

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