An emblematic place in Velay, a center of history and an extraordinary defensive site, the impregnable fortress of Saint-Vidal was the scene of numerous clashes, particularly during the wars of religion. The originality of the project born in 2016 holds in one this double promise: to offer the public not only the discovery of an exceptional site, but also a real journey to the heart of History, to meet the witnesses and actors who forged the History of France.
St. Vidal
et History of France
Dormant for 20 years, the Saint-Vidal fortress offers shows and attractions that retrace the great history of France. Go back in time through the permanent spectacle of wandering through the heart of a thousand-year-old fortress.
Fifteen rooms of the castle staged according to a key moment in History from Vercingétorix to the 18th century. You rediscover the beautiful history of France thanks to the actors and new technologies.
Le Bourg place du château 43320 Saint-Vidal
The History of THE FORTRESS
Nestled in the Borne valley in the heart of the village whose name it bears, the Fortress of Saint Vidal is an architectural jewel of Velay, classified as a Historic Monument since 1958.
A witness to the History of France, it is a reference in the military architecture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Francisque Mandet, a 19th century historian, attests to the existence of a feudal mound in place of the current fortress from the 9th century. The first stone fortifications date from the 10th century. It was in the 11th century that historians attest to the departure of a Saint-Vidal to the first crusade alongside the spiritual leader Adhémar de Monteil, bishop of Puy en Velay.
The 1288th century brings us the first written traces attributed to the Saint Vidal family. Hugues de la Tour was entrusted, in XNUMX, with the seigniorial high justice of the fortress by the Viscount of Polignac. He then took the title of Baron de Saint Vidal. The XNUMXth century was a favorable period for the family, which considerably expanded the fiefdoms of its House.
The gardens of Saint-Vidal
Walk through an exceptional rehabilitated park which offers a unique visual and olfactory experience. Discover 3 themed gardens: Italian style in front of the south facade of the fortress, French style in the old orchards, water gardens in the old moat.
The French garden aims to be a link between the medieval period and French classicism. Discover the subtle curves and geometric shapes of a garden where more than 3500 plants and perennials surround you. Inhale the fragrances that envelop you.
The Italian-style garden brings the spirit of Italy to the heart of the Velay region. Sebastiano Serlio, a great architect of the Italian Renaissance, left his mark on the fortress of Saint-Vidal, and a garden has been dedicated to him in his honor. Enjoy the Tuscan tranquility and the view of the orange, lemon, and cypress trees…
Engage all five senses as you stroll through the water garden around a monumental basin fed by a spring that flows into a tributary of the Loire. Admire the fortress reflected in the water and breathe in the multitude of scents of a fabulous and authentic natural setting.
ROOMS at the fortress
Tourists who go to the Château de Saint-Vidal can stay in one of the seven rooms or two suites located in the 12th century fortress, a listed historical heritage site. It now has a five-star hotel within the castle itself. It houses various lounges, a wellness area and a bistro where you can eat.
PRACTICAL TIPS
To discover…
Things to do in Saint-Vidal
5-star hotel
