What is the historical significance of this castle?

The castle exemplifies 15th-century fortified dwellings characteristic of Cantal, reinforced with towers and a battle walk. After damage during the Wars of Religion, it was restored in the 17th century and retains wall paintings from that period in its vaulted hall.

When was Vals castle built?

The main building dates from the 15th century. Damaged during the Wars of Religion, it was restored and refurbished in the 17th century by Jean Dubois, and again in the 19th century by geologist J.B. Rames.

Château de Vals

Vals Castle

Saint-Santin-Cantalès

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Saint-Santin-Cantalès

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de Vals stands in Saint-Santin-Cantalès (Cantal), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century, first quarter of the 17th century). The building is privately owned and no visits are on record.

Vals castle occupies a terrace in the Etze valley in Cantal. Built in the 15th century, it comprises a quadrangular main building, a round staircase tower topped with a covered battlement walk, and outbuildings connected by a coved gateway. Like other fortified dwellings in the region, it employs volcanic stone and slate roofing. Damaged during the Wars of Religion, it was restored in the 17th century by Jean Dubois, who had the vaulted hall on the first floor decorated with floral motifs and figurative scenes; geologist J.B. Rames purchased it in the 19th century and renovated it after its decline as a farmhouse.

What to know

The castle has been listed as a historic monument since 2010, with protection extending to all buildings, terraces, interior decoration and the chapel.
The site is located in a valley, away from main road networks.
The ensemble retains its distinctive Cantal architectural features: volcanic stone and slate roofing.

Where this château is

Saint-Santin-Cantalès · Cantal · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Saint-Santin-Cantalès, Cantal

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

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA15000046
Period of construction: 15th century, first quarter of the 17th century

Frequently asked

What is the historical significance of this castle?: The castle exemplifies 15th-century fortified dwellings characteristic of Cantal, reinforced with towers and a battle walk. After damage during the Wars of Religion, it was restored in the 17th century and retains wall paintings from that period in its vaulted hall.
When was Vals castle built?: The main building dates from the 15th century. Damaged during the Wars of Religion, it was restored and refurbished in the 17th century by Jean Dubois, and again in the 19th century by geologist J.B. Rames.