Former stronghold of the Mercœur, consisting of a circular keep from 1252 and a main building, remodeled in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, this medieval castle controls the road to Santiago de Compostela which crosses the Margeride.
Occupying a very strong position, at the top of a granite hill overlooking the basin of the Seuge, the castle of Esplantas was built by Odilon de Mercoeur, bishop of Mende from 1247 to 1274 to protect the southern flank of his Saugua possessions. The cylindrical keep, derived from the main towers erected by Philippe Auguste, dates from 1252, as evidenced by the dendrochronological analysis of an oak beam still in place.
Chateau d'Esplantas, Saugues
The dwelling which partly envelops the dungeon, on a polygonal plan, was remodeled in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
The entire castle has undergone major restoration work.
Saved from ruin, it was thus able to be opened to visitors.
It is listed in the Inventory of Historic Monuments.
Cabinet of curiosities.
Exhibitions: the wars of the Leagues in Velay (1589-1596)
Photo exhibition dedicated to the rescue of the castle.
Opening of the keep and part of the dwelling
Chateau d'Esplantas, Saugues
The dwelling which partly envelops the dungeon, on a polygonal plan, was remodeled in the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
The entire castle has undergone major restoration work.
Saved from ruin, it was thus able to be opened to visitors.
It is listed in the Inventory of Historic Monuments.
Cabinet of curiosities.
Exhibitions: the wars of the Leagues in Velay (1589-1596)
Photo exhibition dedicated to the rescue of the castle.
Opening of the keep and part of the dwelling
Themes:
Visit
Customers
Individual visit services
- Unguided individual tours on request
- Guided individual tours on request
Group visit services
- Guided group tours on request
Opening
| Opening hours from July 14 to August 25, 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open |
| Thursday | Open |
| Sunday | Open |
Out of season visits for groups by appointment
Prices
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced price | 6 € | 7 € |
| Adult | 7.5 € | 8 € |
Payment methods
Services
Equipments
Services
Home animals
Adapted tourism
From 7.50 € / adult