Château de Pagax

An important fortress in the Middle Ages, it was transformed into a castle around 1259 to house a noble royal official and establish the authority of the King of France in the region.

Situated on this dominant point, it controlled all the surrounding valleys, as well as the much-frequented route from Conques Abbey to Figeac (Chemin de Compostelle, Via Podiensis).

"Pagax" or "Pagas", pronounced "paguasse" (from the Latin Pagus, fiscal jurisdiction, payment) clearly indicates this role of control, of obligatory and paying passage.

The castle was surrounded by ramparts, towers, moats and drawbridges. It was modified over the centuries, with the greatest alterations taking place during the Renaissance, when large mullioned windows were opened to let light into this imposing residence.

As a result of various alliances, several noble families, very important in the region, succeeded one another at Château de Pagax until 1773. These included the de Mellet, de Montarnal and de Moret families, who were renowned for their vast possessions, military service and employment, and distinguished alliances that gave them kinship with the leading houses of the kingdom.

Shortly before the French Revolution, the château was sold to Sieur Brunet from Conques. Already the owner of Château de Privezac, a few leagues from Pagax, he had had to deal with the local peasants when the slingshot was rising in the countryside. So, in 1789, to avoid the same scenario at Château de Pagax, Sieur Brunet himself burned his feudal titles and decapitated the castle's towers to prevent it from being sacked.

To find out more about the history and restoration of the château :

www.chateau-de-pagax.com

DATAtourisme France