Château La Commanderie

La Commanderie Castle is a majestic 13th-century Cathar castle; its renovation has preserved the spirit of the ancient medieval fortress while transforming it into a spacious, warm, and welcoming home.

Located in southwestern France, 15 minutes from Mirepoix and 45 minutes from Toulouse and Carcassonne, La Commanderie—with eight centuries of history—offers a setting straight out of a fairy tale. The castle is ideal for hosting weddings and private or professional events, as well as for vacations and weekend getaways with family or friends, all in a timeless atmosphere.

The property can accommodate up to 29 guests. For receptions, the indoor spaces can accommodate up to 130 guests, and the capacity can be expanded to 250 guests by setting up a tent in the grounds. An exceptional venue, designed to combine heritage, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the freedom to organize events as you wish.

As soon as you pass through the entrance gate, Château La Commanderie becomes your home for the duration of your stay. The owner, Rebecca, hands you the keys, and just like that, you’re the lord of the manor, free to enjoy the entire estate in complete privacy. This sense of total exclusivity immediately sets the tone for a timeless stay in a place steeped in centuries of history.

Set in the heart of a vast wooded park, the château showcases its medieval fortress-style architecture in a setting that is both majestic and serene. The tall trees provide welcome natural shade on sunny days, while the pool becomes a popular gathering spot for relaxing and enjoying time together.

For a wedding, the estate is the perfect setting for every stage of the celebration. The reception can be held in the park, the banquet takes place in the spectacular Salle des Chevaliers, and the next day’s brunch is enjoyed by the pool. Every moment takes place in an elegant and authentic setting that leaves a lasting impression on guests.

Whether you’re staying with family or friends, the grounds become a true living space. Children enjoy the expansive outdoor areas while adults savor the tranquility, the coolness of the shaded areas, and the unique atmosphere of this former Cathar commandery. The Château de La Commanderie thus offers a rare setting—both stately and welcoming—that is perfectly suited for celebrations as well as shared vacations.

For receptions or weddings, the Château de La Commanderie can accommodate up to 130 people indoors. Reception furnishings are provided, as at all Votre Château de Famille properties, making it easier to organize your event.

Several reception areas are available for your use:

• On the ground floor, a series of interconnected living rooms covering approximately 100 m² provide the perfect setting for cocktail parties and social gatherings. Opening onto the terrace and the shaded park, they offer a natural transition to the outdoor areas and the pool, making them ideal for receptions on sunny days.
• Upstairs, a banquet area of approximately 140 m² is available for hosting meals and evening events. It consists of the Salle des Chevaliers (86 m²), the Salle de Billard (45 m²), and the dining room, offering several possible layouts depending on the nature of your event.
• Outdoors, you can set up a tent of up to 300 m² on the south-facing lawn of the château. You’ll receive a special rate from one of our partner tent providers, allowing you to host up to 250 guests in an exceptional setting.

The castle’s 10 double rooms, tastefully decorated by the owner—an artist—can accommodate 21 guests. They will take you on a journey through time, from the 17th century to the 1940s.

Ground Floor (5 bedrooms – 3 bathrooms):

• Bathroom with toilet and sink, opening onto the entryway
• Sphynge Room: 140-cm bed in an alcove, bathroom with private shower and separate toilet
• Parisian Bedroom: 2 beds, 100 cm wide
• Leleu Room: 140-cm bed, connected to the Parisienne Room; bathroom with a bathtub and toilet across from the Parisienne Room
• Yellow Room: 1 bed (180 cm) or 2 beds (90 cm)
• Arlequin Room: 1 bed (180 cm) or 2 beds (90 cm), bathroom with a tub, shower, and toilet located between the Yellow Room and the Arlequin Room

^1st Floor (5 bedrooms – 3 bathrooms):

• Bathroom with toilet and sink on the landing across from the Commander’s bedroom
• Commander’s Room: a 140-cm canopy bed, connected to the Rose Room
• Pink Room: 150-cm bed on a platform, connected to the Blue Room; private bathroom with shower and toilet
• Blue Room: one 160-cm bed and one 90-cm bed, connected to the Pink Room; private bathroom with shower and toilet
• Venetian Room: 140-cm canopy bed; private bathroom with shower and toilet
• American-Style Room: 130 cm bed, adjoining the Venetian Room

Located in the heart of the castle grounds, the cottage is a charming 18th-century stone house, ideal for accommodating additional guests in a private and comfortable setting. Bright and welcoming, it offers a cozy atmosphere, perfectly suited for stays with family or friends.

The cottage features a living room, a dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen, allowing guests to enjoy complete independence while staying in the immediate vicinity of the castle. It can accommodate up to 8 people in total.

Ground Floor

• Chardin Room: 140-cm bed, private bathroom with shower
• Bathroom with toilet and sink on the landing

1st floor

• Soleil Room: 1 bed (180 cm) or 2 beds (90 cm)
• Shaker Room: 1 bed (180 cm) or 2 beds (90 cm)
• Boston Room: 1 bed (180 cm) or 2 beds (90 cm)
• Bathroom with a bathtub
• Bathroom with toilet on the landing

This cottage is an ideal lodging option to supplement the castle’s capacity, while ensuring comfort, privacy, and tranquility within the estate.

The Château de La Commanderie was built in the 13th century at the behest of the Cathar lord Guillaume de Plaigne, who took part in the Avignonet massacre before taking refuge at Montségur with the besieged. This Cathar heritage has left a lasting mark on the site’s identity.

In the 16th century, Barthélemy de Plaigne decided to expand the castle and had the Knights’ Hall built, giving the estate a new sense of grandeur. The castle was then sold to François Paul de Béon-Massé-Cazeaux, Grand Prior of the Order of Malta in Toulouse, who, in 1685, elevated the seigneury to a Commandery of the Order of St. John. Until the French Revolution, the Commandery remained the property of the Order of Malta.

In the 19th century, the property belonged to Monsieur de Nicol, who undertook to modernize the building and its grounds. The château then remained in the same family for nearly a hundred years, with Violette de Ferluc being the last descendant. In 1973, the Commanderie was acquired by the family of the current owners, who continue to preserve and promote this site steeped in eight centuries of history.

Just one hour from the Mediterranean Sea and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Andorra and Spain, Château La Commanderie is ideally located for anyone wishing to stay in Cathar country. This wild region, dotted with Romanesque churches, is a magnificent destination for anyone passionate about French history. Close to the medieval bastides of Mirepoix and Castelnaudary, you can visit numerous Cathar castles, including Montségur.
The city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 40 minutes from La Commanderie. The region is also a paradise for lovers of hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and even skiing (1 hour from the Pyrenees). Not to mention the region’s famous culinary specialties and local products such as cassoulet, wines from the Aude, and foie gras…