Val castle
Château de Val – a castle straight out of a fairy tale !
On a little peninsula beside Bort-les-Orgues reservoir, its silhouette reflected in the peaceful waters of the River Dordogne, the Château du Val is a ’must see’ attraction of Cantal ! Built for defensive reasons in the 15th century on a 30m high rock, the castle used to overlook the Vallée of the Dordogne. 60 years ago when the dam opened and the valley was flooded, its surroundings were totally transformed into today’s magical setting !
The castle is one of the finest and best-preserved historic buildings in Auvergne, thanks to its Gothic chapel and numerous towers. It is in an amazingly beautiful location, surrounded by water and nearby forests. You can explore the castle on your own with an audio guide or have a guided tour. A free game for children is available on request in which they have to help the Chevalier de Val to free the princess who has been imprisoned in the castle by a wicked wizard. At the end of the game each player is awarded a certificate.
Château de Val – a fortress surrounded by the Dordogne
The main courtyard at the foot of the castle is surrounded by the lake nowadays. It has green spaces, flower beds, a fountain, large lime trees and the old stables. The chapel dedicated to Saint-Blaise with its shingle roof is a listed building and an essential part of your visit.
You can watch a video featuring the different stages of construction of the castle and its numerous restorations. The same room also houses a photographic exhibition showing the valley before the dam was built and the vast operation to flood the valley. Every summer the main courtyard is the venue for all sorts of evening concerts which is an opportunity to see the castle in a different context.
Mini-cruises run on the Bort-les-Orgues reservoir from mid-April to mid-October. Board a panoramic launch to discover the history of the Gorges de la Dordogne and how man took control of the river. You also have an incredible view of the largest dam on the Dordogne from a unique and unusual angle !
Choose Gîtes de France approved accommodation near Lanobre and make the most of your stay to explore the Château de Val from every angle and discover the flora and fauna of this magnificent valley. Our owners are always delighted to recommend other attractions in the area like the Barrage de l’Aigle dam, further upstream on the River Dordogne.
Château de Val is in the hamlet of Les Fontilles at Lanobre.
Opening times. February – March, every day except Tuesday : 14h – 18h. April – November, every day except Tuesday : 10.00 – 12.00, 14.00 -18.00. Free admission for children under 6. Tickets are valid for a half-day visit. Animals not admitted (not even when carried). From April to October, Château de Val holds prestigious exhibitions of paintings by famous artists, in collaboration with Christiane Vallé Art Gallery."
