Who built Payra castle ?

Raymond de Marion, who had grown wealthy through the pastel trade and served as the Queen's tax farmer, commissioned its construction before 1562.

No, it is a residence without significant fortifications. Its only defensive features are a small square tower, an échauguette, and a round tower.

What happened in the 18th century ?

An entrance doorway with a segmental arch was opened on the north facade, and several windows were modified, altering the original structure.

Château de Payra-sur-l'Hers

Payra-sur-l'Hers Castle

Payra-sur-l'Hers

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Payra-sur-l'Hers

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Château de Mézerville (Mézerville Castle)guest rooms and table d'hôtes open from April 30 to November 35 km

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Château de Payra-sur-l'Hers stands in Payra-sur-l'Hers (Aude), in the Occitanie region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Built in the 16th century before the Wars of Religion, Payra castle is a square-plan residence constructed for Raymond de Marion, who had grown wealthy through the pastel trade. It lacks significant fortifications, featuring only a small tower to the east, an échauguette, and a round tower later converted to a dovecote. The facades retain traces of its period and 18th-century alterations.

What to know

The south facade is listed as a historic monument, while the other facades, the isolated tower, and the remains of the fortification wall are registered.
Access and visiting conditions are not documented: it is recommended to check with the local town hall before visiting.
The defensive elements are minor: a small square tower, an échauguette with modillions, and a round tower that later served as a dovecote.
The north entrance, with a segmental arch, and several windows were modified in the 18th century, altering the original appearance.

Where this château is

Payra-sur-l'Hers · Aude · Occitanie

Map of the area around Château de Payra-sur-l'Hers

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

11410

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00102850
Period of construction: 16th century

Itineraries

The royal fortresses of Languedoc in 3 days

In pictures

Frequently asked

Who built Payra castle ?: Raymond de Marion, who had grown wealthy through the pastel trade and served as the Queen's tax farmer, commissioned its construction before 1562.
Is this a fortress ?: No, it is a residence without significant fortifications. Its only defensive features are a small square tower, an échauguette, and a round tower.
What happened in the 18th century ?: An entrance doorway with a segmental arch was opened on the north facade, and several windows were modified, altering the original structure.