When was the castle built?

Originally a 14th-century fortified house, it was entirely rebuilt and reinforced from 1612 by Count François II of Montvallat after being burned in 1610.

What can be seen inside the castle?

The castle houses Italianate painted decoration dating from around 1630, consisting of panels adorned with floral motifs, mythological scenes and small landscapes.

What is the structure of the castle?

The castle forms a quadrilateral characterized by its large granite blocks and Volvic lava veneer, defended by a crenellated gallery and two pepper-pot towers.

Château de Montvallat

Montvallat Castle

Chaudes-Aigues

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Chaudes-Aigues

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Montvallat stands in Chaudes-Aigues (Cantal), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 16th century, first half of the 17th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Montvallat Castle in the Cantal region began as a 14th-century fortified house, heavily damaged during the Wars of Religion and burned in 1610. Count François II of Montvallat rebuilt and reinforced it from 1612 onward, creating a quadrilateral structure of massive granite and Volvic lava stone, defended by a crenellated gallery and two small pepper-pot towers. What distinguishes this austere fortress is its interior decoration from around 1630: finely painted panels adorned with flowers, foliage, fruit and mythological scenes in the Italian manner.

What to know

The castle has been listed as a historical monument since 2000, including its terraces and gardens.
The building is primarily 17th-century, though it succeeds a medieval structure.
A visit appeals to those interested in minor military architecture and early modern chamber painting.

Where this château is

Chaudes-Aigues · Cantal · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château de Montvallat

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

15110 Chaudes-Aigues

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

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00093494
Period of construction: 16th century, first half of the 17th century

Frequently asked

When was the castle built?: Originally a 14th-century fortified house, it was entirely rebuilt and reinforced from 1612 by Count François II of Montvallat after being burned in 1610.
What can be seen inside the castle?: The castle houses Italianate painted decoration dating from around 1630, consisting of panels adorned with floral motifs, mythological scenes and small landscapes.
What is the structure of the castle?: The castle forms a quadrilateral characterized by its large granite blocks and Volvic lava veneer, defended by a crenellated gallery and two pepper-pot towers.