The castle of Bourines is located in the municipality of Bertholène, in Aveyron, 27 km north-east of Rodez.
It is a field with agricultural vocation built from the twelfth century, initially consisting of a fortified barn during the Hundred Years War. Property of the Counts of Rodez and the hospital of Aubrac, the whole becomes residence of Cardinal Armagnac in the sixteenth century.
The donjon-shaped barn was used as a breadbasket, and the tithed crops donated by the peasants were also stored there. A main building adjoins this barn.
An inner courtyard with corner turrets complete the whole.
In the sixteenth century, the area was embellished (portal, interior gallery, crossroad crossroads). The castle of Bourines also has a 15th century chapel.
Many original features have been preserved (fireplaces, ceiling beams, furniture), and the castle (barn, dwelling and common) is protected as historical monuments since 1963.
The property is private but tours of the estate and the castle are available every Tuesday from mid-July to end of August at 15h, reservation on +33 5 65 70 71 30. Visits groups off season on reservation (domain only).
Information on +33 5 65 70 71 30.