School visit to Puilaurens Castle, royal fortress

A royal castle perched in the south of Occitanie

The Puilaurens Castle stands today in the Occitanie region, in the south of the Aude department, close to the Pyrénées-Orientales, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Tarn and Hérault. Positioned on a rocky ridge, this 13th‑century fortress once controlled the ancient border with the Kingdom of Aragon. Twin ramparts, a quadrangular keep, four round towers and crenelated walls form an exceptional defensive ensemble, with remnants of the rampart walkway still illustrating the power of this mountain stronghold. Royal buildings from the 13th century complete the architecture of this strategic medieval fortress.

School visits adapted to each cycle

Visits for Cycle 1

Puilaurens Castle helps introduce the representation of space by highlighting the different visible shapes in the castle (circle, rectangle…). Students discover the environment by observing a model version of the building and then the real fortress. The visit experience can also include touching stone and other materials used for construction.

Visits for Cycle 2

Puilaurens Castle helps students understand various representations in time and space through movement (climbing to the castle) and orientation (treasure hunt). Whether during the guided tour or additional activities, students are encouraged to participate orally and cooperate with each other, supporting their moral and civic education. Long-term history, identification of key periods in Western and French history, and comparisons between past and present lifestyles are explored through the architecture of the castle and the village (chimneys, cisterns, washhouses, church…).

Visits for Cycle 3

Puilaurens Castle supports the study of art history through this heritage visit, which introduces conservation professions, monument restoration, and the key geographical concept of “inhabiting,” central to the Cycle 3 curriculum.

Visits for Cycle 4

Puilaurens Castle provides an opportunity to explore art history through medieval military architecture as an example of construction. The visit also encourages students to compare their own viewpoints with others through discussion and structured presentations about this strategic defensive site in a fragile environment where climate change is visible.

Visit options

• Kindergarten
  Cycle 1 - PS and MS

  Guided tour of the castle

  Shapes in a castle

• Primary
  Cycle 2 - CE and CM, full day

  Guided tour of the castle and treasure hunt on the hiking trail at the foot of the site

• Primary - Grade 6
  Cycle 2 and 3 - CE and CM, Grade 6

  Guided tour of the castle

  An example of military architecture

• Primary - Grade 6
  Cycle 2 and 3 - CE and CM, Grade 6, half-day

  Guided tour of the castle and cooperative game

  Heritage and sustainable development

• Primary / Grade 6
  Cycle 2 and 3 - CE and CM, Grade 6, full day

  Guided tour of the castle and treasure hunt in the village

• Primary / Grade 6
  Cycle 2 and 3 - CE and CM, Grade 6, full day

  Back through time

• Primary / Grade 6
  Cycle 2 and 3 - CE and CM, Grade 6, over 2 days

  Evolution of landscapes and borders

• Middle School / High School
  Cycle 4 and 5 - Grade 7 to Grade 12

  Guided tour of the castle – History and architecture

• Middle School / High School
  Cycle 4 and 5 - Grade 7 to Grade 12

  Themed guided tour of the castle

  Visit with painting analysis or “The Song of the Crusade” tour

• High School
  Cycle 5 - Grade 10 to Grade 12, full day

  Castle visit and historical Cluedo

  Investigation in the land of troubadours and Cathars

Practical information for site visits

To help you prepare the guided tour, we can provide educational worksheets on request.

For groups over 50 students, classes will need to be divided into two groups, with one visiting in the morning and the other in the afternoon, to ensure better listening conditions during the guided tour.

A picnic area is available at the castle entrance. In case of bad weather, an indoor room can be provided for lunch.

For school groups

Free admission for the teacher. Free admission for one additional accompanying adult (conditions apply).