Castle Tour

Antoine d'Abbadie's Observatory Castle - Cultural Tours

Description :

The Château Observatoire d'Antoine d'Abbadie is a place steeped in history and knowledge. One of the highlights of the visit is the statue of Abdullah , a young Ethiopian slave freed by Antoine d'Abbadie, which stands majestically in the center of the vestibule. This work pays homage to a central figure in the history of this place, highlighting the connection between astronomy, science, and culture that permeates the château.

Come and discover Antoine d'Abbadie, a 19th-century scientific explorer, and his home designed by the renowned architect Eugène Viollet-Le-Duc. The journey begins in the astronomical observatory, equipped with period instruments. Souvenirs and inspirations from his travels adorn the walls: scenes of Ethiopian life, a Jerusalem bedroom, and an Arab salon. The house is furnished, decorated, and restored to its original state. In his Château-Observatory, Antoine d'Abbadie reveals the journey of his life dedicated to science, humanity, and God. Fully furnished and restored, all the rooms of the Château are open to visitors: the observatory and its meridian telescope, the library, the chapel, the bedrooms, the salons, and the boudoirs, among others. Built between 1864 and 1884 in the Neo-Gothic style, Abbadia is one of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc's rare creations.

Prices and Visiting Days:

The Château Observatoire d'Antoine d'Abbadie is open to visitors according to the following schedule:

• January 28 - March 31 (closed Mondays) Tuesday to Sunday: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Guided tour at 2:30 PM. Self-guided tours from 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM.
• April 1 - June 30: 7 days a week (closed May 1, June 14 and 28) Guided tours only (in French) Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00. Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 14:00 to 18:00. During Holy Week (April 14-20), guided tours are available in Spanish; please refer to the website in Spanish.
• July 1st - August 31st: Open 7 days a week with mandatory reservation. Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm. Guided tours: 10:00 am - 3:20 pm. Self-guided tours: 4:00 pm - 6:20 pm. Early morning tours on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays: 9:45 am - RESERVATIONS ONLY ONLINE. Tours in Spanish and Basque are available; please refer to the website in your preferred language for dates and times.
• September 1 - November 2: 7 days a week. Guided tours only (in French). Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Tours in Spanish are available; please refer to the Spanish website for dates and times. Last guided tour: 4:45 PM. Last entry to the park: 45 minutes before closing.
• November 3 - December 22 (closed Mondays) Tuesday to Sunday, 2 pm to 6 pm. Guided tour at 2:30 pm. Self-guided tour from 3:15 pm to 5 pm. Tours in Spanish are available; please refer to the Spanish website for dates and times. Last entry to the park: 45 minutes before closing.
• December 23 - January 4 (closed on December 24, 25, 30 and 31 and January 1) Monday to Friday: 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 6pm Guided tour (in French): 10:30am, 11:15am and 2:30pm. Self-guided tour: 3:15pm to 5:15pm.

Reservation required. Last entry to the park: 45 minutes before closing.

Prices:

• Guided tour:
  • Adult: €12.90 / Disabled: €5.90 / Student: €9.90 / Young person (14-18 years): €9.90 / Child (6-13 years): €5.90
  • Family package (2 adults and 2 or 3 children up to 13 years old): €35.00

Escape Game at Abbadie Castle