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.
Location: Lacroix-Barrez
GPS coordinates: 44.73610,2.63250
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:44
Occitanie encompasses an architectural and natural heritage that reflects many centuries of history. Medieval villages are nestled in valleys and on heights, while castles and monasteries tell of the era of the Cathars and religious orders. The region also features remarkable geological formations: deep gorges, waterfalls, potholes, and caves decorated with prehistoric paintings. Among the sites to visit, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie overlooks the Lot Valley with its stone houses and narrow streets. The Peyrepertuse fortress stands at 800 meters above sea level on a rocky spur in the Corbières. The Navacelles cirque reveals a canyon carved by the Vis River, while the Gorges de la Jonte provide trails through a habitat for vultures. The Lagrasse Abbey maintains its medieval architecture on the banks of the Orbieu, and the Niaux Cave houses Magdalenian paintings dating back 14,000 years. Natural curiosities like the Gouffre de l'Oeil Doux and the intermittent Fountain of Fontestorbes complete this territory where history and geology meet.
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322 mReviews
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