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Origin and history

The castle of Montgey, built on a rocky promontory at 320 m above sea level, overlooks the plain between Toulouse and Revel. His name would come from Mons Jovis (mountain of Jupiter), suggesting a Roman occupation from the first century BC. Ancient remains, such as a carved head integrated with walls and pottery, confirm this origin. A Roman route linked Toulouse to the neighbouring oppidum of Berniquaut, crossing the present castle park.

In the 12th century, the walls of the west and north, thick more than three meters thick, were built on Roman foundations, perhaps those of an ancient fanum (temple). In the 13th century the castle became the property of the Roquefort family, involved in the Albigois Crusade. In 1211, the battle of Montgey contrasted the Crusaders of Simon de Montfort with the local troops led by Jourdain de Roquefort and the Count of Foix, resulting in a devastating defeat for the first. The castle, temporarily taken, was taken over in 1218 by Jourdain, allied to Count Raymond VII of Toulouse.

The legend of the Cathar treasure persists in Montgey, linked to the brother-in-law of Jourdain, Raymond de Pereille, lord of Montsegur. In the 14th century, the descendants of Roquefort gave way to other owners. During the Hundred Years' War, an English attack was reportedly repulsed by shook hives on the assailants, bringing to the village the nickname Montgey la Mouche. The bees were then called honeyflies.

From 1464, the castle changed hands frequently. In the 17th century, Charles de Franc, bodyguard of Richelieu and inspired by Les Trois Mousquetaires (under the name of Cahusac), the modernise: Italian gallery, Renaissance fireplace inspired by the school of Fontainebleau, and furnished terraces. The noble weapons, added to the towers, were destroyed during the Revolution. In the 19th century, a creneled dungeon was erected as a geodetic landmark.

Ranked a historical monument in 1975, the castle is now owned by the Bouyssou family, which has restored its 16th century appearance since 1971. Visitors can discover a central courtyard surrounded by four towers (including a heptagonal), walls pierced with firemouths, and Roman remains integrated with medieval structures. Heritage Days explore this site marked by antiquity, crusades, and cathar legends.

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