First mention of land 1188 (≈ 1188)
Abbey lands quoted on the hill.
XIIe siècle
Foundation of Candeil Abbey
Foundation of Candeil Abbey XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Cistercian Abbey mother of the castle.
1263
Construction of agricultural buildings
Construction of agricultural buildings 1263 (≈ 1263)
Authorization for a tithe barn and tower.
XVe siècle (vers 1430-1453)
Construction of the castle
Construction of the castle XVe siècle (vers 1430-1453) (≈ 1442)
Transformation into a strong house by the abbots.
XVIe siècle
Abbé principal residence
Abbé principal residence XVIe siècle (≈ 1650)
Expansions by Guillaume de Boisset.
1731
Trial and dilapidation
Trial and dilapidation 1731 (≈ 1731)
Risk reduction work.
1789
Sale as a national good
Sale as a national good 1789 (≈ 1789)
Becoming firm after the Revolution.
31 décembre 1980
Classification and registration
Classification and registration 31 décembre 1980 (≈ 1980)
Chapel and protected elements.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Chapel, including its murals (Box B 284): classification by decree of 31 December 1980; Façades and roofs, vaulted cellar, staircase with screws and fireplace of the third floor room of the castle (Box B 284) : inscription by order of 31 December 1980
Key figures
Guillaume de Boisset - Abbé de Candel
Enriched the castle in the 16th century.
Origin and history
The castle of Serres, located in Labestière-Candel in the Tarn, finds its origins in the history of the Cistercian abbey of Notre-Dame de Candel, founded in the 12th century. This abbey, powerful both spiritually and temporally, had rich farmland between Tarn and Dadou. As early as 1188, texts mentioned land belonging to the abbey on a hill opposite the monastery. In 1263, the construction of agricultural buildings was authorized, including a large tower serving as a tidal barn, a watchtower and a place for storing crops collected from farmers. The fear of the roadmen during the Hundred Years War prompted the monks to strengthen the site, adding a second tower and a bastion to protect access.
In the 15th century, the castle became a secondary residence for the Abbés of Candeil, a role that it retained for about a century. Father Guillaume de Boisset, in the 16th century, enriched him with large sled windows, fireplaces and expansions to make him more comfortable. However, after the wars of Religion — during which the castle remained inviolated despite the capture of the village by Protestants — the site lost its status as a principal residence. In 1731, a trial revealed his state of disrepair, resulting in risk reduction work: one tower was shortened, another demolished, and the moat was filled. The French Revolution marked a turning point: the castle, sold as a national property, was transformed into a farm in the 19th century before being restored by its present owners.
Architecturally, the castle of Serres preserves two medieval towers, remains of its fortified past. The most imposing is a chapel on the top floor, accessible by a spiral staircase, the walls of which are entirely covered with wall paintings. These paintings, as well as the chapel, have been classified as historical monuments since 1980, while facades, roofs, vaulted cellars and other elements are listed. The cellars, with their central pillar, illustrate the primary function of the castle: the storage of crops and tithes. Two gunboats and traces of blocked murderers recall his defensive role. After centuries of transformation, especially in the 19th century, the castle was bought and restored to restore part of its chandelier.
