Discover the Château de Rochechouart

Discover the unique history of Rochechouart Castle during your stay

This iconic monument offers a unique immersion into medieval history, Renaissance architecture, and contemporary art, all within a remarkable natural setting.

During your stay, our hotel-restaurant, Auberge La Source in Cieux, welcomes you to a fully renovated former coaching inn built of local stone, ideal for travelers who wish to explore the region at their own pace.

A castle built on an ancient asteroid crater

Rochechouart Castle overlooks the Graine Valley from a spectacular rocky promontory, offering a unique panorama of the surrounding countryside.

Built on breccia resulting from a meteorite impact nearly 200 million years ago, it is a site almost unique in France, where the stones still bear witness to this geological event.

Constructed between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the castle blends a medieval keep, a drawbridge, a Renaissance inner courtyard, and an arcaded gallery.

It testifies to the power of the Viscountcy of Rochechouart, one of the oldest noble lineages in France, and is part of the Richard the Lionheart Route, a tourist itinerary linking several medieval fortresses.

A Living Museum of Contemporary Art

Since 1985, the castle has housed the Haute-Vienne Museum of Contemporary Art, a recognized "Musée de France" and managed by the departmental council.

The site offers a unique dialogue between architectural heritage and contemporary artistic creation.

The collections and exhibitions are structured around three main themes: history, landscape, and the imagination.

The museum holds more than 1,300 works by international artists, including a significant collection devoted to Raoul Hausmann, a major figure of the Dada movement.

The temporary exhibitions are regularly updated, making it an interesting visit for both first-timers and those returning to the region.

Practical Information

📍Address: Place du Château, 87600 Rochechouart
⌚Opening Hours:
The castle is open every day except Monday.
💶Admission:

• Full price: €4.60
• Reduced price: €3
• Free for under 18s and during certain cultural events

🚗Travel: 35 minutes by car from the hotel

🍴After your visit, why not extend your exploration by enjoying local cuisine in our restaurant?

Treat yourself and book one of our 7 rooms at our Auberge La Source à Cieux!