Château de Valon

Lacroix-Barrez, France

Château de Valon offers a sumptuous panoramic view of the Gorges de la Truyère. Since the 12th Century, the feudal castle, built like an eagle's nest on the rocky mound, has dominated the Gorges de la Truyère. This mediaeval site is classed as one of the most picturesque in the Aveyron. Traditional schist stone houses with lauze covered roofs overlook two magnificent valleys. The château is reputed for the tales recounted for children, the chapel, a symbol of silence and peace, and the keep, which takes on its full dimension when viewed from the inner courtyard. The château contains three beautiful superimposed rooms. A surprising staircase leads to the terrace, from which there is an enchanting view of the Gorges de la Truyère.

References:

Tourisme Aveyron

Address

Valon, Lacroix-Barrez, France

See all sites in Lacroix-Barrez

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

www.tourisme-aveyron.com

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

John Casey (2 years ago)
Very nice forest walk nearby and a fantastic picnic spot just before the chateau signposted

Philippe Damiens (5 years ago)
Top!

Andrew Burns (5 years ago)
Beautiful place. Great local ice cream in the coffee shop

Alan Hughes (5 years ago)
Fantastic little castle, with charmingly reconstructed interiors and fantastic views from the top of the donjon (although the narrow spiral staircase isn't for the faint of heart). Great spot, cute little village with toilets and picnicking spots.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.