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.
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. Smell the smells around you.
The Italian garden breathes the soul of Italy in the heart of Velay. Great architect of the Italian Renaissance, Sebastiano Serlio left his mark in the fortress of Saint-Vidal, to pay homage to him a garden was dedicated to him. Enjoy the Tuscan calm and the view of orange, lemon and cypress trees…
Take advantage of the 5 senses to wander through the water garden around a monumental basin from which a spring emerges which flows into a tributary of the Loire. Admire the fortress reflected in the water and smell the multitude of smells of fabulous and authentic nature.
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.


Opening hours from April 12 to November 02, 2025 | |
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Monday | Open |
Tuesday | Open |
Wednesday | Open |
Thursday | Open |
Friday | Open |
Saturday | Open |
Sunday | Open |