Situated in the Valley of the Sor in the village of Garrevaques,  the Chateau de Garrevaques sits in a beautiful rural location, amidst large broadleaf trees and fields of sunflowers.

      The Chateau was originally built in 1460.  Designed to protect the local village population, it had an air of grandeur about it, with four towers, a canal-tiled roof and surrounded by a walled moat.  Its first troubles started during the religious wars.  In 1580 the Calvinists, under Viscount de Turenne, took Soreze as well as other chateaux in the region.  Garrevaques was besieged but held off the attackers for around 3 days before heavy cannon breached the ramparts, costing the lives of dozens of the defending men.

      The Chateau in this era was owned by a catholic lord, reputed as giving his protestant preachers a hard time causing them eventually to give themselves up to the Protestant Academy of  Puylaurens.

      After this episode of religious wars and various alliances, the owners undertook the religious reforms and the first generation of the de Gineste family took up residence in the Chateau.

      During the French Revolution the Chateau was extensively damaged and was burnt down.  It was rebuilt around 1800 when peace had been restored.   Three of the four towers were saved and comfortable, decorative living accommodation was installed to incude:  wall coverings by Dufour, Leroy and Zuber in the sitting rooms, warm-air central heating and a slate roof – just as you will find it today.

       The Chateau was occupied for 8 months by a German Major during the 2nd world war. 

       The Count Felix de Gineste was not able to pass on his title – he was the last male descendant of the de Gineste family. 

       The 16th generation of this family, along with her daughter, has preserved, restored and modernised this family home and now offers a warm welcome to French and foreign guests alike into the heart of her family.