Looking out a window at chateau des anglais autoire

a doorway on a round turret at the ruined fort at Autoire

a view of the inside of ruined fort at autoire

the chateau des anglais at autoire, ruined walls

the walls and cliff at the Chateau des anglais autoire

the stone and the cliff at the chateau des anglais in autoire

La Roque d'Autoire (Chateau des Anglais), Autoire

Ruined fort built into the cliff, high above the town of Autoire

featured in Sights & sites

The original fortified castle and surrounding village are thought to have been built at some point in the 13th century and further added to in the 15th century.

Known as the Chateau Fort de la Roque d'Autoire and is more commonly referred to as the Chateau des Anglais. Now all that remains are the principal block (Corps de logis) and one of the turrets. They are in surprisingly good condition and offer extensive views over the valley and the plains beyond.

The castle was occupied in 1378 by Bernard de la Salle. Under the employment of the King of England during the Hundred Years War, he as said to have plundered cities and towns across the Quercy area. The name 'Chateau des Anglais' comes from this period as this type of construction on the cliff face was commonly built by the English during the Hundred Years War, after the Quercy, Rouergue and Perigord were all surrendered to the English.

Read our review of a hike to the Chateau des Anglais here.

Watch out for

The path to reach the castle is particularly steep and good mobility is required to reach it.

Who should go

Although the walk is steep, it is fairly short and so technically accessible to all. The nature of the cliffside ruins means that children should be well supervised. If you have walking poles then it would be advisable to take them as certain sections will be easier to negotiate with the additional assistance and support.

Directions

Using the parking at the southern end of Autoire you will find signs directing you to the walking path of Cirque d'Autoire. The paths follow each side of the river but either can be taken as they form a loop. Half way along the west side of the river you will find signs that point upwards to the Chateau des Anglais and La Roque d'Autoire. Following the signs up for around 20-30 minutes and you will arrive at the ruined chateau. The return journey is via the same route. Once you reach the river you can return to the car park via either direction.

When to come

It is best to walking to this ruin in the middle of the day, especially during the hotter summer months. Even in September the temperatures can reach over 30 degrees centigrade and make this a particularly difficult hike.