The Chateau de Val is located in the 'Parc des Volcans' region of Auvergne in south-central France, in the Cantal department and near Lanobre.
Explore the Chateau de Val
France This Way review: the principal attraction of the Chateau de Val is the situation of the castle in a lovely setting on the edge of a lake
This fairy-tale castle dates from the 15th century and is next to and surrounded by an attractive lake. The castle is immediately recognisable by its six towers, each with a different design.
Although the position for the castle seems carefully selected to be beautiful, we should remember that the castle once stood on a hilltop, with impressive views across the valley below! In 1946 that the electricity board bought the castle from its owners, as part of a plan to build a dam and flood the valley.
The castle was abandoned and vandalised until 1951 when the local commune of Bort-les-Orgues assured its security.
The village then bought the castle in 1953 and it has now been renovated and gained a new lease of life as a popular tourist attraction in the region. Part of this work was the construction of a walkway so that the castle can be reached when the level of water in the lake is high.
Although the views to the castle across the lake are the main highlight of your visit, the Chateau de Val can also be visited and is reached by the walkway.
Inside the castle, the large rooms of the lower floor are furnished in the rich gothic style of the 19th century, while the upstairs is reserved for art exhibitions: Chateau-de-Val is well known for the exhibitions of contemporary art that are held here each summer.
It is also possible to ascend to the roof by the monumental staircase, for a lovely view out across the lake and a chance to see the carpentry work in the towers.
As well as the castle there is a 15th century chapel on the island, the Chapel of Saint Blaise, which you can visit.
Attractions nearby
This is a quiet region of France, where the natural environment is the main attraction. Among towns and villages you will like to visit near the Chateau de Val are the beautiful village of Tournemire and the spa town of La Bourboule.
See more castles in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Cantal guide and the Auvergne guide.
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Map of Chateau de Val and places nearby
Visit near Chateau de Val with France This Way reviews
Riom-es-Montagnes
After exploring the town and church in Riom-es-Montagnes be sure to follow one or two of the trails into the Natural Regional Park of the Vocanoes
Riom-es-Montagnes guide
Saint-Angel
Saint-Angel is a very small village but also a pleasant diversion when you are passing
Saint-Angel guide
La Bourboule
La Bourboule is one of the most impressive of the belle-epoque spa towns in France
La Bourboule guide
Parc des Volcans
The Natural Regional Park of the Volcanoes is a beautiful region of forested volcanic domes
Parc des Volcans guide
Mont-Dore
Mont-Dore is well placed to explore the scenic splendours of the area such as the Vallee de Chaudefour, and is also a small ski resort
Mont-Dore guide
Mauriac
The religious monuments such as the basilica and the monastery are the highlights in the small town of Mauriac
Mauriac guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Cantal
The French version of this page is at Chateau de Val (Francais)