Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Bioule, located in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne in the Occitanie region, is a building built mainly in the 14th and 16th centuries. It is distinguished by its Toulouse brick architecture, based on older foundations. Ranked a historic monument in 1991, it is notably remarkable for its chapel adorned with medieval frescoes and its Hall of Preux, decorated with 16th century murals.

Originally, the castle belonged to a branch of the family of Cardaillac, which made it its residence in the Middle Ages. The site was the target of attacks, notably by the Black Prince in 1346, then by the Reformed during the Wars of Religion. Its defensive system included ditches and the Aveyron River to the south, as well as ramparts now partially disappeared. The cylindrical tower, crowned with a campanile, dominates the whole, while the main access is through a porch located under this tower.

The chapel, rebuilt from a Romanesque building, preserves 14th century murals illustrating scenes of Christ's life. Inside the castle, the room of Preux, on the first floor, is entirely decorated with 16th century frescoes depicting the nine Preux, heroic medieval figures. The dungeon, once present in the inner courtyard, was shot down in the late 19th century. Since 1889, the castle has been home to the public school of Bioule, thus ensuring the continuous development of this historical heritage.

The castle is now owned by the municipality. Its protected elements, including wall paintings and architectural structures, were classified by decree of 28 November 1991. The site remains an important testimony of local history and medieval and reborn architecture in Occitanie.

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