Vabre Castle is located in the town of Onet-le-Château, in Aveyron, 5 km north of Rodez.
This is an opulent mansion built in the early years of the 18th century by the Guirbaldi family. Several owners then succeeded until it was bequeathed to the city of Rodez in 1910. An orphanage was housed there then, more recently, its exteriors were converted into a leisure park, before an arboretum was planted there. The castle was renovated by the municipality in 1993. From now on, the training center of the Rodez football club has taken up residence there.
Protected as historical monuments, the building consists of a main building on three levels covered by a mansard roof. In Renaissance and neo-classical style, the facade includes two pavilions at its ends which overflow from the main building.
A beautifully crafted gate (19th century) separates the manor from the vast park of around ten hectares, three sides of which are enclosed by walls, one of which has a dovecote tower.
The castle is not open to the public but the part of the park including the arboretum is freely accessible all year round for pleasant walks in a green and shaded setting. Picnics are allowed. Information on +33 5 65 75 40 12.
