French Castles Chateau de Lastours Limousin France Medieval Festival

If your are very lucky you might stumble across the remnants of the lost Castle of Lastours nestled in the beautiful countryside of Limousin, France. Built in Middle Ages, dating from XII^th century, this ruined castle in the region of Nexon continues to remind us of the romance of medieval life in south west France.

The origin of the name of Lastours comes from the occitan language and literally means Las Tors, 'Les tours' and as you can see from the photograph above, the castle is dominated by its massive round towers.

Although the castle is now in ruins it hasn't been forgotten and at present it is being renovated by a loyal group of volunteers who are not only repairing the fabric of the building but are also keeping the spirit of the castle alive with medieval fetes and festivals celebrating everyday life in the middle ages.

The Castle of Lastours was built in the XII^th century but little remains today apart from some of the towers and the dungeon.

The earliest castle on the site appeared in the 10th century and consisted of three mounds with a wooden castle. The chateau in stone that we see today was built between the end of the 12th century and the 15th century by the Lastours family. It has a dungeon, six towers, courtyards and vast living accommodation.

Unfotunately, following the Revolution in the eighteenth cenury, the chateau fell into ruins.

It has been classified as an ancient monument since 1956.

The first member of the Lastours family was Gulferius de Lastours. There are references to him in 957,962 and 988.

His son was Guy de Lastours, called "Le Noir"

After him came Gouffier de Lastours, the "Le Grand" or "Le Vieux", ou encore "Le Chevalier Au Lion". Gouffier of Lastours (you'll find it spelled in various ways - Goufier, Gulpher or even Golfier,) lord of the Château de Lastours was a knight who took part in the First Crusade.

He was the son of son of Guy I of Lastours and Agnes and although his birth date is unknown, he did donate land between 1062 and 1072.

Then came Seguin de Lastours, his son Seguin, Ramnulphe de Lastours, Seguin, Ramnulphe, .... Have a look at this documetnt for a full list Lastours

Suffice to say that during the 11th century th family prospered and distingued themselves in battle, notably in the battle at Malemort in 1177, where the Limousins fought against Richard, dit "Coeur de Lion".

There was a family decline in the 13th century but the prestige of the bloodline rose again in the 15th century.

To celebrate the history of the Limousin and to showcase the many fabulous castles, churches and villages (including Lastours) in this ancient region of France the Route of Richard the Lion Heart has been created. Follow the route to see the historic sites of medieval France.

A group of volunteers known as the association "ASPEL les Amis de Lastours" (Association de Sauvegarde du Patrimoine et de l'Environnement en Limousin which translates roughly as The Association to safeguard the heritage and the environment of Limousin) are not only restoring the castle but they are also responsible for organising various medieval festivals and events at the chateau.

The Castle Lastours presents nocturnal visits and visits with and without guides, games, enigmas and mysteries.

Every year a big medieval summer festival is held in the castle: medieval camps, combat, spectacles, music, demonstrations, crafts, games and feasts.

People dress in medieval costumes and demonstrate hand crafts and the every day life of the Middle Ages.

We visited in July 2014 and there was blacksmith's workshop complete with bellows, anvil, wooden bucket and tools. The blacksmith wore a leather apron fixed with a brooch, and clogs.

The blacksmith told us that most of the things made would have been agricultural or domestic. Sometimes they would make swords and shields for war.

The most interesting thing that we saw was a fire steel. It is survival kit. With a fire steel, flint and tinder fungus he made sparks and made fire.

You can contact the ASPEL by pone on +33 (0)5 55 58 38 47 or by email atASPEL-Lastours@wanadoo.fr

I've lived in France now for 11 years and I'm still discovering the fabulous art, history, landscape and heritageof the area. This is not my first visit to the castle of Lastours but it is the first time that I've seen the medieval games and events.

I now run painting holidays, have a holiday cottage and a Bed and Breakfast (Les Trois Chenes) in Videix, about forty minutes from Lastours. Have a look at our website, www.lestroischenes.com