Perched on a rocky spur above the Haute‑Dordogne, Château de Val (Val Castle) rises like a storybook fortress, its six slate-capped towers mirrored in the blue sweep of Lake Bort‑les‑Orgues. Once isolated on a hill, it’s now almost an island—a medieval stronghold turned cultural haven. Step past the gates to find Gothic‑style rooms, seasonal art, and roofline views that run for miles across valleys and water.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Lanobre, Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes, France
🏗️ Construction Period: 13th–15th centuries (restored 17th & 19th c.)
🏰 Architectural Style: Fortified medieval Gothic; 19th‑century Gothic Revival interiors
🎭 Famous For: Six distinctive towers; dramatic lakeside setting on Lake Bort‑les‑Orgues; near‑submersion and rescue during the mid‑20th‑century dam project
👑 Notable Figures: de Lanobre family; d’Estaing family; d’Arcy family; Electricité de France (EDF)
🏆 UNESCO Status: No
🌐 Official Website: https://www.chateau-de-val.com/
Map
Historical Context
Founded by the de Lanobre family in the 13th century and enlarged by the d’Estaing line in the 15th, Château de Val embodies the evolution from feudal seat to stately residence. Its walls suffered in the Wars of Religion, then gained fresh life through 17th‑ and 19th‑century restorations. The most dramatic chapter came in 1946, when Electricité de France purchased the site while preparing to flood the Haute‑Dordogne valley for a hydroelectric dam. Classified a historic monument that year, the castle narrowly escaped submersion as the new Lake Bort‑les‑Orgues rose around it. In 1953, EDF sold it to the local commune, securing its future. Today, visitors tour its rooms, climb to the roof, and attend summer exhibitions and concerts—living proof of a fortress rescued and reimagined.
Gallery
Visiting Information
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: May, June, late September, and October
🗺️ Location Perks: The castle overlooks the Haute‑Dordogne valley and is ringed by Lake Bort‑les‑Orgues—ideal for canoeing and shoreline walks. Nearby, detour to Tournemire or the spa town of La Bourboule.
⏳ Estimated Visit Duration: Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring the castle and its grounds.
💡 Visiting tips: Join a guided tour to access more rooms and stories. Check lake levels and wear sturdy shoes for the walkway; arrive early or near sunset for softer light and fewer crowds.
