The Loire is a large French river which has a particularity in Haute-Loire, that of having preserved its wild side. It is even the last wild river in Europe, rich in unparalleled biodiversity and a unique heritage. Intrepid, she dug nearly 100 km of gorges punctuated over the centuries with historic sentinels: the first castles of the Loire, all of which open their doors to visitors.
Arlempdes Castle
At the heart of one of Most Beautiful Villages of France rises the very first sentinel of the wild Loire, the one which opens the spectacle: the Arlempdes Castle perched on its rocky outcrop overlooking a river which seems to want to embrace it. Dated from the 12the in the XIVe century, the ruins of the old fortress are no less majestic. Only his Romanesque castle chapel dedicated to Saint-Jacques and built in red stone in the heart of the fortress, seems not to have suffered the wear and tear of time. However, it would have been built well before the castle itself.
Beaufort Castle in Goudet
On the heights of the village of Goudet rises the enigmatic silhouette of the second castle of the wild Loire: the beaufort castle. Bought in 2008 by a passionate architect, after centuries of abandonment, Goudet Castle is gradually being restored. If today the building is reborn from its ashes, its history dates back to XIIIe century, the period at which it was built on the left bank of the Loire. At the top of its rocky peak with steep and impregnable slopes, it also seems to nestle in a meander of the Loire.
The castle of Bouzols
In Arsac-en-Velay, the Bouzols Castle is one of the oldest and most prestigious castle complexes in Velay. Built from the 11the century, he saw the most important noble families of Haute-Loire pass through: the Merccœur, the Polignac, the Turenne and the Tour d’Auvergne Bouillon. His particuliarity ? Its defensive organization: a keep (or citadel) from the 13th centuryefifteenthe centuries currently in ruins, residential buildings separated from the 15th centurye century, modernized in the 16th centurye and XVIIthe centuries. And finally a ditch, dug into the rock and opening into the void. An ingenious deception for the attackers! Then what a splendid view of the Loire gorges !
Causans Castle in Coubon
With Causans castle, we take a leap into history. Here we are at XIXe century, from which the fittings and decorations of the old building are dated. It reflects the taste of the time: the furniture, the hangings, the wallpapers, the seat fabrics... the implementation is careful, precious, and faithful to the neo-medieval fashion which characterizes the end of the 19th century.e century. However, we find traces of a Coubon estate in the 17th centurye century which served as a ford on the Loire. A heritage that Dominique de Causans is committed to making people discover it every summer.
The strong house of Volhac
Attested since the XIe century, strong house of Volhac is one of the oldest castle residences in the department. From its high facades, it has watched over the banks of the neighboring Loire for more than 1000 years. It is surely to the river that it owes this very original plan in the shape of a flattened pentagon, flanked at each of its corners by a watchtower (small surveillance and defense tower). In the Middle Ages, the small defensive castle occupied a strategic place on the road linking the north to the south via Le Puy-en-Velay. Transformed to Renaissance en prestigious residence, he is also one of the first castles of the Loire.
Durianne's castle
Dated XIIIe century, Durianne's strong house is a former garrison of soldiers at the entrance to the Loire Gorges, in Monteil. It is also a particularly well preserved example of Velay fortified house from the end of the Middle Ages. At that time, the lordship of Durianne was also considered by the Polignac as a guard over the Loire. It is a rectangular main building built from Blavozy sandstone, flanked by circular towers. Transformed and redeveloped until the 18th centurye century, Durianne Castle is today a charming bed and breakfast in a green, wooded setting just 5 minutes from Puy-en-Velay. Visitors will find a large orchard, as well as an organic farm for lovers of old stones, animals and responsible agriculture.
The castle of Lavoûte-Polignac
For over 1000 years, the impressive Lavoute-Polignac castle its towers dominate the Loire which surrounds it on all sides. Of style Renaissance, it stands out elegantly in the heart of a preserved landscape where it and the river offer a breathtaking spectacle. Inside, from its windows and terrace, you can enjoy a plunging view of the Loire gorgesand an « magnificent French garden » completes the visit in a real journey through time. Renaissance fireplace, Aubusson tapestry and collection of art objects, we retrace the History of France in the company of Duke Armand de Polignac who take care of summer visits himself. In summer, the castle also comes alive with concerts and exhibitions!
Artias Castle
In Retournac, the Château d’Artias, or rather what remains of it is a witness to history... Mentioned for the first time in 1040, he then reworked several times, in the 12the century where it was fortified, then in the 16th centurye century, where the entrance door sheltered under a large banded arch was probably built. Just like the campanile which rises on the facade of the old fortress. Among the current ruins which dominate the Loire, there are some large sections of wall of the old lordly home and the old courtyard. Also remaining are the remains of three towers, an entrance door and the ruins of the castle chapel dedicated to Saint-Denis. Long abandoned, the site has been maintained and restored since 1973 by the association of Friends of Artias.
The Bishops’ Castle in Monistrol-sur-Loire
Le Château de Monistrol-sur-Loire is a 14th century buildinge century for its oldest parts: the southwest facade, its Buisson tower and its pointed arch door equipped with a portcullis. The larger of the two towers was built in the following century. It forms a vast quadrilateral which frames the interior courtyard. The southern gallery and the large staircase with a wrought iron banister date from the 18th century.e century. It is still called today the Château des Evêques-du-Puy because it was their residence until the Revolution. Do you know ? In the 18th centurye century the castle gardens were decorated with Gallo-Roman sculptures and fragments of the old Puy cathedral.
Animated by Friends of the Castle who organize exhibitions and other guided tours, the members of the association have decided to open to the public a part of the building that has long remained secret: The Tower of the Damned, which is none other than an escape game.
The castle of Aurec-sur-Loire
If you primitive castle was probably built around 1100 by the Counts of Forez, the current castle dates mainly from the XVe and XVIe centuries. Colossal and rich in a strategic position, the Aurec castle has become a real cultural place : digital and immersive tour, co-working space or even FabLab! The old house has taken a big leap towards modernity. More than a visit, it’s a digital experience which awaits the visitor in Aurec-sur-Loire. Grab the keys and immerse yourself in the heart of history, from room to room, in the company of the illustrious inhabitants of the castle who have come back to life for this innovative experience. “La Vie de Château”, an immersive show who sets off to discover the secrets of the ancient home.
Rochebaron castle in Bas-en-Basset
Among the castles of the Loire, that of Rochebaron is a precious witness to thearchitecture medieval defensive : machicolations, ramparts, loopholes and three defense towers, the tallest of which exceeds 25 m high! Culminating at an altitude of 653 m on a rocky peak, its first constructions date from the XIIe century. Then like many castles, it was rehabilitated over the ages where six families succeeded one another until the 18th century.e century. If only ruins remain, it is because the fortress was gradually abandoned from the 17th century.e century until no longer having an owner at the beginning of the 19the.
Le Rochebaron Castle is also distinguished by its theft ! Interactive and educational, it makes known thanks to its passionate falconers the fabulous world of birds of prey, the importance of their well-being and their preservation. Of the demonstrations, shows, discovery courses and walks accompanied by birds of prey promise the most total immersion, up close to these majestic birds.
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