Château de Castries

Between the garrigue and the Camargue, the Château de Castries is one of the symbols of the administrative development of Montpellier.

The building has superb French-style gardens designed by André Le Nôtre before he worked at Versailles. In addition to the gardens, some of the castle’s rooms are now open to visitors.

Getting there

©
Château De Castries Vertical
|
A.Alliès OT3M

The little Versailles of the Languedoc

Luxuriating between the garrigue and the Camargue, the “little Versailles of
the Languedoc” opens its courtyard to its guests.

A young couple, Audrey and Philippe, are among the day’s visitors. They have come to explore this Folly, a magnificent symbol of Montpellier’s rising power in the 17th century.

The French-style garden was designed by Le Nôtre, gardener to King Louis XIV, and was supplied with water by an aqueduct, a listed monument, designed by Paul Riquet, engineer of the Canal du Midi.

The gardens and fountains were sumptuous before being destroyed during the revolution. From the main courtyard, you can access the large terraces offering a superb view of the star-shaped paths, the ponds and a landscape of vineyards.

History

Construction began in 1565 on the site of a gothic manor; Audrey and Philippe are impressed by the château’s Renaissance façade and austere architecture.

The creamy-white façade built of local stone contrasts with the deep blue sky, while the broad terraces offer a superb view:

“We loved the paths in a star-shape and the ponds in the garden. And then further on, the dense vegetation and the vineyard landscape. You can’t help wondering how they keep it all so green.“

The answer lies about 5 kilometres away, as the crow flies. The aqueduc de Castries, at the request of the owners of the château, brings water to the Orangerie, where it is then distributed to the kitchens on one side, and to the ornamental ponds on the other.

“It’s a wonderful discovery, the perfect place for a romantic walk,” the couple conclude, as they leave the château via the aqueduct road.

Practical information

Address

15 rue Quartier bas, Castries

Opening hours

Monday
Saturday 14:00 - 19:00
Sunday 14:00 - 19:00

Throughout 2026
Late-night opening every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 17 July to 23 August, from 9 pm to midnight.

19 and 20 September: European Heritage Days

AUTUMN 2026
From 17 October to 2 November: every day except Mondays, from 2 pm to 7 pm (ticket office closes at 6 pm). Except on 18 and 19 October, when it closes early at 5 pm (reopening at 7 pm for the Night of the Castles).

WINTER 2026
Christmas: 5 December to 31 December, 2pm to 8pm (last admission at 7pm)
The château is currently closed to the public.
Pedestrian entrances via Avenue de la Gare and Avenue de Sommières.
Espace Gare car park and Hippolyte Paulet community centre.