Château du Cheylard, Medieval castle in Aujac, France
Château du Cheylard is a medieval fortress standing at 600 meters (about 2,000 feet) above the Cèze Valley with both a square and round tower as part of its fortified design. The complex includes defensive walls and multiple structures that together form a complete medieval settlement.
The fortress was built in the 12th century and represents one of the last surviving examples of a medieval fortification network in the region. Documents confirm its presence from 1270 onward.
The castle preserves a medieval settlement with farm buildings, dovecote, sheepfold, and chapel that show how people lived at that time. Visitors can walk through these spaces and see the connection between the fortress and the community that supported it.
The site sits on an elevated plateau and requires a walk uphill to reach it, so comfortable shoes are helpful. It is best to check online before visiting to confirm opening hours and any special closures.
A drawbridge mechanism over a dry moat was discovered in 2016 following a pipe rupture, making it one of the rarest architectural finds of its kind in the region. This discovery reveals how well preserved the structure was beneath the surface.
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