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.
Château d'Entraygues
11.6 km
Pont sur la Truyère
10.9 km
Église Saint-Cyrice-et-Sainte-Juliette de Rueyres
6.7 km
Abbaye Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Montsalvy
10.9 km
Église Saint-Anthime-et-Saint-Saturnin de Brommat
11.2 km
Église de Saint-Symphorien-de-Thénières
7.6 km
Chapelle de Mels
11.3 km
Maison Valette
11.5 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Taussac
10.4 km
Ferme pédagogique des Bornottes
3.1 km
Église Saint-Amans de Leucamp
9.2 km
Église Notre-Dame de Rouens
1.3 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Murols
4.8 km
Église Saint-Pierre de la Capelle
10 km
Église Saint-Gausbert de Bez-Bedène
8 km
Église Saint-Amans de Saint-Amans-des-Cots
5.6 km
Église Saint-Laurent de Florentin
11.9 km
Église Saint-Barthélemy de Vezels-Roussy
8.9 km
Église Saint-Roch de Montézic
3.2 km
Lac de Cambeyrac
9.8 km
Église Saint-Robert de Lacroix-Barrez
4.9 km
Église Saint-Georges d'Entraygues-sur-Truyère
11.5 km
Église Saint-Bernard de Benaven
6.7 km
Chapelle Saint-Georges d'Entraygues-sur-Truyère
11.4 km
Église Saint-Géraud de Banhars
8.4 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste d'Huparlac
10.6 km
Maison du XVe siècle
11.2 km
Chapel of the Valon Castle
322 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes