The château is situated in the Sor valley in the village of Garrevaques. According to certain writers, the name Garrevaques means "cow depot", a relay station where they changed the harnasses. Others have suggested that from the Latin it means murmering waters (which is somewhat more poetic).

The chateau, designed to protect the local population, was built in 1460. Sumounted

by four towers and a roof on local "canal" style tiles, it was surrounded by a dry moat and a barrier wall and was in all aspect an imposing edifice. The religious wars have marked its history. In 1580, the Calvinists, led by the viscount of Turenne took Sorèze as well as other chateaus of the region. After a siege of three days, Garrevaques was taken following a breach in the wall made by the couleuvrines and bombardes (primitive cannons). Several tens of defenders lost their lives.

At this time the chateau belonged to catholic landowner well known for his harsh treatment of the protestant ministers who passsed by on their way to the protestant academy at Puylaurens.

After the religious wars the owners adopted the "reformed religion" and it was at this time that the family of the Comte de Gineste appeared.

During the french revolution the chateau was burned down. It was rebuilt around 1800 after the return of peace under the Consulate. For eight months during the last war it was occupied by a German command which led to serious damage and destruction. Once again, however, misfortune was overcome.

It was the XV^th generation that was responsable for the restoration of this family seat for the pleasure of everyone.

Geographic location

The Chateau of Garrevaques is situated at 50 km from Toulouse, from Albi and from Carcassonne, and 5 km from Revel.
The village of Garrevaques is on the D79 and the chateau is on the right after going through the village. At the end of the drive one sees the red brick chateau facing a magnificent oak tree which is 480 years old.

On the 1st floor of the chateau there is a billards room. In the "red room" who's the walls are decorated with Grisailles de Zuber (a highly appreciated XVIIIth century hand painted wallpaper) one can find a library and a piano. In the "blue room" there are portraits of the faimly ancestres and a magnificent marble fireplace.

Accomodation and reception:
Rooms and restauration
The chateau can sleep up to 25 people in 9 bedrooms which are fully renovated with period furniture, parquet flooring and marble fireplaces. The dining room offers "table d'hôte" with typical regional dishes such as foie gras, confit de canard and cassoulet.

The attractions of the chateau
The 4 hectares park has a swimming pool and a tennis court and it is possible to borrow bikes. Pétanque, swings and a childrens play area are other popular parts of the park.

Outings on maountain bike, on foot or on horseback in the nearby Black Mountains can be organised. Pot holing, white water canoing, duck shooting, golf and cruises on the Canal du Midi are all available not far from the chateau. Ascension in a hotair ballon, glider or light plane are possible at the local aero club nearby.

For receptions (marriages etc) of more than 350 people marquees can be set up in the park. 50 m from the chateau is an 400 m2 heated orangerie where concerts, exhibitions and other events can be housed.