Castle of Prades en Lozère

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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Prades is a medieval building located at the entrance of the village of Prades, in the commune of Sainte-Enimie, in Lozère. Built in the early 13th century, it consists of a house in the south, a chapel in the north, and a square tower at the northwest corner. These elements are connected by a wall of enclosure delimiting an inner courtyard. Originally, the castle had a defensive vocation, strengthening the protection of the Abbey of Sainte-Enimie.

In 1283, the castle came under the possession of the Abbey of Sainte-Enimie for strategic reasons. He played a key role during the religious wars, resisting Protestant forces and blocking their advance westward. At the Revolution, it became a national good, and then became a farm before being abandoned in 1950. In the 1960s, the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations began its restoration as a holiday residence.

Since 1972, the castle has been privately owned, acquired by its current owner. A historical and archaeological study carried out in 1974 resulted in its inclusion on the list of historical monuments, confirmed by a new decree in 2009. Today, the castle is not accessible to the public and serves as a private residence, still dominating the Tarn gorges.

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