Château de Valon, Medieval castle in Lacroix-Barrez, France
The Château de Valon is a feudal castle perched on a hilltop above the Truyère Gorge in south-central France. The site contains stone walls, a dungeon, a chapel, and connecting passages that link different parts of the structure.
The fortress was founded in the 11th century and later served as a strategic outpost during English raids following political upheaval in the 14th century. The site experienced several rebuildings and reinforcements that reflect its role in regional conflicts.
The castle preserves architectural features from several periods that show how building styles changed over time. Walking through the rooms, you notice how different construction phases exist side by side.
The site is accessible via a country road, and reaching the castle requires walking up steep paths. Parking is limited, and sturdy footwear is essential, especially if the ground is wet or uneven.
The dungeon was built using schist, a local stone that gives its walls a grayish-brown appearance. This construction method differs noticeably from the stone walls used elsewhere in the castle.
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