AZRA BAT

Small castle ruins with a well preserved main tower and a partially preserved lower tower. Not much to see in the tower itself. Easy to reach. Medium sized (free) parking lot.

Visited the Christmas Market. Only saw the outside of the chateau and it's stunning.

Given some recent reviews I wasn't expecting this to be such a positive visit. It is true that the castle is small compared to many in the area but it is full of atmosphere and probably my second favourite behind Queribus. Take time to sit and imagine who sat in the window seats soaking up the beautiful views. The bats in the tower were a lovely added bonus. I should also mention the man on reception who was extremely friendly and spoke good English.

Beautiful little castle in a valley. Not the largest, but a nice example of the homes of smaller lords in the area. A steep staircase leads to various rooms spanning the whole castle. Access to the castle is easy from the parking lot. People with reduced mobility won't be able to get to the higher levels of the castle. Still the view from the courtyard of the castle and it's surrounding countryside is stunning. Well worth visiting if you are in the area. The small thermal spring town of Rennes les Bains is close by.

The Cathar castles that dot the countryside of Occitania in southern France really fascinate me. The castle at Arques is one of the most imposing and beautiful I've yet seen as I make the rounds of these castles in the south of France. It's well worth a visit.

A small and well kept chateau near the town of Arques. Definitely worth the visit, plus you can see bats!

Very rural, a genuine part of the local regional history. Lovely setting in the countryside with free parking. The receptionist has a pet goat with her! A colony of bats inhabits one of the tower ceilings.

Lovely little castle. Best part was seeing the bats having a nap.