Penne and its Castle

Castle of Penne (clic to enlarge)
clic to enlarge

Penne, also called Penne du Tarn or Penne d'Albigeois, is a medieval village in the north of the Tarn department.

Its houses are clustered on a rocky outcrop above which there is a castle with impressive ruins. 

The village

It should not be confused with Penne d'Agenais, another village further west near Agen. 

Penne (clic pour agrandir) - crédit Régine Boutonnet
clic to enlarge

The village of Penne stretches in length under the castle. The foot of the rocky spur was built and fortified. The streets, or rather alleys because space is limited, have retained all their medieval character. 

It is strongly recommended to visit this beautiful medieval place.

 

 

The Castle

The majestic ruins of the castle give an idea of its powerful past ; the castle of Penne was a fortress erected to protect the valley of the Aveyron. 

It was probably built in the Merovingian period (430-740 period). The first mention of the castle in a document was in the year 825.

It has been the subject of many battles during all periods of history (crusade against the Cathars, hundred years' war, etc..) until it was dismantled in 1586. Today work for a gradual restoration is ongoing ; this began in 2006.

The tourists can visit and admire the landscape from this promontory breathtaking.

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