How long has Malval Castle existed?

Written sources mention it as early as 1038. Most of the visible structures date from the late fourteenth century, when Louis de Malval, a man-at-arms under Duguesclin, reinforced the site with fortifications suited to that period.

What is there to see on the site?

The two circular towers, especially the north-east one with its former crenellations and gun ports, the foundations of a residential wing, and the triangular enclosure that followed the rocky outcrop. The lower court once contained a chapel, barn and stables.

Why is this castle protected as a historical monument?

It represents one of the oldest fortified sites in Limousin and demonstrates architectural and defensive evolution over several centuries. Its remains, registered in 2005, cover the entire footprint of the castle fort.

Château de Malval

Malval Castle

Linard-Malval

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Linard-Malval

To make a day of it

Sleep nearby

château de la Lande (Lande Castle)Accommodation on site13 km

Château de Malval stands in Linard-Malval (Creuse), in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: fourth quarter of the 14th century, first quarter of the 15th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Malval Castle is an ancient fortified site in Limousin with origins dating back to the eleventh century. Its remains bear witness to a long occupation, notably marked by fortification work undertaken in the late fourteenth century. Visitors can observe traces of a triangular enclosure following the rocky outcrop, two circular towers at the corners, and the foundations of a residential building that once overlooked a lower court used for the castle's auxiliary functions.

What to know

The site is accessible only as ruins: the residential structures cannot be visited inside, only the foundations and partially preserved towers are visible.
Access depends on private ownership and local conditions: it is advisable to check with the municipality before visiting.
The north-east circular tower, the best preserved, still shows traces of its former defences with gun ports pierced at the base.
The terrain follows a rocky outcrop on a slope: the visit requires good mobility.

Where this château is

Linard-Malval · Creuse · Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Map of the area around Château de Malval

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

23220 Linard-Malval

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA23000018
Period of construction: fourth quarter of the 14th century, first quarter of the 15th century

Frequently asked

How long has Malval Castle existed?: Written sources mention it as early as 1038. Most of the visible structures date from the late fourteenth century, when Louis de Malval, a man-at-arms under Duguesclin, reinforced the site with fortifications suited to that period.
What is there to see on the site?: The two circular towers, especially the north-east one with its former crenellations and gun ports, the foundations of a residential wing, and the triangular enclosure that followed the rocky outcrop. The lower court once contained a chapel, barn and stables.
Why is this castle protected as a historical monument?: It represents one of the oldest fortified sites in Limousin and demonstrates architectural and defensive evolution over several centuries. Its remains, registered in 2005, cover the entire footprint of the castle fort.