visitors with disabilities

Introduction to the monument

Montal Castle is a Renaissance castle situated in Saint-Jean-Lespinasse, in the Lot. Built in the early 16th century, it is one of the finest examples of the early Renaissance in Quercy. The monument is particularly notable for the richness of the sculptures adorning the façades of its inner courtyard, as well as for its furnished rooms.

Accessibility of the tour route

The visitor route spans several levels. The garden level is accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, the first and second floors are only accessible via staircases with numerous steps and are therefore not accessible to wheelchair users.

To enable visitors who cannot access the upper floors to explore these areas, a tablet providing an overview of the castle’s various levels is available at reception.

Given the large number of steps required to reach the upper floors, a significant part of the interior tour remains inaccessible to wheelchair users. Visitors with mobility difficulties are invited to contact the site’s staff in advance of their visit to help organise their visit and find out which options are best suited to their needs.

Access to the monument and parking

Please note: the free visitor car park is situated below the castle. From the car park, access to the castle entrance is via a sloping path and takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes’ walk. This ascent may present difficulties for people with reduced mobility or who tire easily.

To facilitate access to the monument, people with reduced mobility or who tire easily may be dropped off by car or minibus directly near the castle entrance, beyond the visitor car park. A disabled parking space is also provided for this purpose.  

Visitor assistance facilities

Various aids are available along the route to help visitors understand the monument, enhance their experience and make the visit more comfortable for people with disabilities.

For visitors unable to access the upper floors, a tablet available at reception allows them to explore the areas on the upper levels of the castle.

Specialised interpretative tools complement this service, notably tactile displays dedicated to the tapestry and the sculpted façade.

We recommend checking with the castle staff before your visit to find out what facilities are available and to plan your tour as effectively as possible.

Adapted tour routes

Whether visiting individually or in organised groups, as part of a self-guided or guided tour, visitors with disabilities can benefit from adapted services, tailored to their needs and the facilities offered by the castle.

Adapted tours for groups can be organised on request, with the exception of tours in French Sign Language (LSF). Booking is compulsory and specific pricing conditions may apply.

It is recommended that you contact the château’s team in advance to arrange the visit arrangements best suited to the group and the participants’ needs.

Individual visitors or small groups

Up to 8 people with disabilities are welcome to explore the Montal Castle visitor route at their own pace.

Admission fee:

Entry to the monument is free:

• For any person with a disability and one accompanying person, upon presentation of a valid proof of eligibility (Mobilité Inclusion ‘Disability’ and ‘Priority’ card for French nationals or an equivalent foreign document), 
• For recipients of the AAH (allowances for adults with disabilities), upon presentation of an AAH certificate issued within the last 6 months. NB: the carer must pay the admission fee.
• For small groups of up to 8 visitors with disabilities (excluding carers), subject to prior booking and presentation of a certificate from the relevant organisation.
• A parking permit does not entitle the holder to free entry.

Group visitors

A group consists of 9 or more people with disabilities. 

A group consists of a maximum of 20 people, including carers. 

Each person with a disability may have a maximum of one accompanying person.

All groups must book their visit in advance.

Services: 

There are two options available:

• Self-guided tour: you explore the monument at your own pace using the resources we provide (visitor booklets, subtitled video documentary).
• Adapted and guided tour: depending on your group’s needs and our available resources, we will work with you to plan a route that best meets your expectations. During your visit, you will be accompanied by a member of staff from the monument.

Prices:

• Self-guided tour: a flat fee of €20 for groups of 9 to 20 people with disabilities, including carers.
• Adapted and guided tour: a flat fee of €40 for groups of 9 to 20 people with disabilities, including carers.

If there are more than 20 people, the group will be split into two.