Château de Val, a medieval fortressoverlooking Lake Bort-les-Orgues
Château de Val is a 15th-century fortified castle in the commune of Lanobre in the Cantal department. It is built on a rocky spur, 30 metres above the Haute-Dordogne valley. Since the construction of the Bort-les-Orgues dam in 1952, the château has been surrounded by the waters of the lake.
The first references to Val Castle date back to the 13th century. It was then built by the de Lanobre family, who owned it until the 15th century. During this century, the château was remodeled and enlarged by the d’Estaing family, who became the owners. In the 16th century, the château was partly destroyed by the Wars of Religion. It was restored in the 17th and 19th centuries.
Château de Val is a typical fortified castle in the region. It comprises a fortified enclosure, a main tower and several corner towers. The castle walls were reinforced with buttresses and loopholes.
The master tower is the most imposing part of the castle. It is 30 metres high and has three levels. The first floor was used as a guardroom, the second floor as a courtroom and the second floor for private apartments.
Château de Val is open to the public. The guided tour takes in the various rooms of the château, as well as the main courtyard, surrounded by the waters of the lake.
In addition to a visit to the castle, you can enjoy a range of activities on site. Concerts are held in the courtyard in summer. You can also take a walk along the lake or go canoeing.
Château de Val is one of the region’s must-see sites. It offers a breathtaking view over the lake of Bort-les-Orgues, and provides an opportunity to discover medieval history and architecture.