The History of Velay is offered to you with a visit to its emblematic fortresses. Among them, the fortress of Polignac, the fortress of Saint-Vidal and its summer shows, as well as the castle of Chavaniac-Lafayette, stronghold of the Marquis hero of the Two Worlds.
The castle of Chavaniac-Lafayette,
the Manor of the Two Worlds
General Lafayette was born on September 6, 1757 and spent his early childhood in Chavaniac, a small town in Velay. At the age of less than twenty he embarked clandestinely for America on a large wooden ship "The Frigate of Liberty" named the Hermione.
His name remains attached on the one hand to the tricolor cockade and on the other hand to the most intense moments in the history of freedom: Independence of the United States, Declaration of Human Rights. He is also nicknamed: the hero of both worlds!
St. Vidal
and the history of France
Dormant for 20 years, the Saint-Vidal fortress opens its doors again in 2018 to offer you shows and attractions that retrace the great history of France.
The Borne valley does not seem impregnable, but the Château de Saint-Vidal has proven throughout history that it was! Demonstrating over the centuries the full value of its defensive architecture.
The feudal era, marked by the Cathar heresy, the troubles of the Hundred Years' War, the pillaging of the truckers, the rivalries between the bishop-count of Velay and the Polignac family, have left important testimonies in terms of civil and military architecture. Fortress and fortified houses occupy the heights in strategic positions such as the fortress of Polignac, the castles of Bouzols, Arlempdes, Allègre, La Rochelambert…
The imposing fortress
DE POLIGNAC
The impregnable medieval fortress of Polignac is an exceptional monument at the gates of Puy-en-Velay. Anchored in the heritage of the Velay region, this thousand-year-old castle has stood the test of time and eras. Today it remains the witness of a rich and eventful history. Prized for its imposing keep, the fortress invites you to visit to reveal many secrets!
The fortress is located at the gates of Puy-en-Velay. It is a truly unique site in the region and one which arouses the interest of many visitors. It inspired and seduced Georges Sand who set the action of one of his novels there.
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Château de Bouzols
Historical site and monument
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Photo 3, © Beaud de Brive -
Photo 4, © Beaud de Brive -
Photo 5
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Photo 1, © P. Bousseaud -
Photo 2, © P. Bousseaud -
Photo 3, © P. Bousseaud -
Photo 4, © P. Bousseaud -
Photo 5, © P. Bousseaud
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General view, © AFPP -
In the mist, © AFPP -
Family treasure hunt, © AFPP -
Patrol walkway, © AFPP -
Guardhouse, © AFPP
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Photo 1, © OT -
Photo 2, © N. Bresset -
Photo 3, © N. Bresset -
Photo 4, © N. Bresset -
Photo 5, © N. Bresset
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Saint Vidal Fortress – South Façade, © Saint Vidal Fortress -
Saint Vidal Fortress seen from the water garden, © Saint Vidal Fortress -
Saint Vidal Fortress – The Keep, © Saint Vidal Fortress -
The Memory of a People Show, © Saint Vidal Fortress -
The Memory of a People performance, © Christophe Rablat
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Photo 1, © Anne Muller -
Photo 2, © Anne Muller -
Photo 3, © Anne Muller -
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Photo 5
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Photo 1, © Château du Thiolent -
Photo 2, © Château du Thiolent -
Photo 3, © Château du Thiolent -
Photo 4, © Château du Thiolent -
Photo 5, © Château du Thiolent
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Photo 2
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Photo 1, © Luc Olivier -
Photo 2, © Tom Marcon -
Chateau de Lavoute Polignac, 1st chateau of the Loire.
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