Historic site and monument
in Arsac-en-Velay

Château de Bouzols représenté par Association "Bouzols forteresse d'avenir"

One of the most emblematic fortresses of Velay. Watchtower of the city of Puy-en-Velay, facing the Vivarais since the 11th century. Two castles in one: a surprising defensive system.
The two treasures of Bouzols:

The ancient castrum of Bouzols overlooks the Loire at the place where the river, emerging from the gorges which guide it and channel it from its source at Gerbier de Jonc, emerges into the smiling basin of Puy-en-Velay.
A legend has long circulated in the surrounding countryside that there was a secret underground passage allowing a discreet escape in the event of a siege. Just as secret, but very real, a treasure, for which time and humidity constituted the most formidable enemy, remained hidden for a long time from outside eyes.
Inside a tower, built in the 13th century within a defensive complex, which then formed the advanced line of protection of the imposing keep, a small, discreet and intimate oratory has formed, for several centuries, a striking contrast with the dark and austere silhouette which stands out above the Loire in the Coubon valley.
But Bouzols conceals another, even more mysterious secret. The imposing rock castle, emblematic of medieval Velay, has a defensive system made particularly ingenious by the care that a “Vauban” from the Middle Ages and his stonemasons took to make it invisible to potential attackers. .
By coming to visit Bouzols, you will be struck and seduced by this opposition between a moat, the improbable beating heart of an impregnable fortress and the soft and soothing artistic treasure having today found the colors and patina that the artist sought to give it. painter of yesteryear.
You will then be able to meditate on the strange link uniting these two strangers, the military genius of the 12th century and the painter of the late Renaissance.

Guided tours from June 24 to August 31 (every day except Mondays)
Tour of approximately 1 hour: stables, terraces, citadel, reception rooms, chapel.
Portrait

Owner by inheritance of a castle, which fell into ruins in my family in 1808 and restored by my great-grandparents between 1876 and 1911, I consider myself the Steward of a historic building of which I ensure the conservation, the maintenance and tourist and cultural activities for the benefit of the general interest. Link in a chain I want to transmit with these opening and sharing values

We speak: English, French

Themes:

  • Historical patrimony
  • Religious Heritage
  • Chateau fort
  • Ruins and remains
  • Fresco / Painting
  • Chapel

Visit

Average duration of the individual visit: 90 min.
Average duration of the group visit: 60 min.
Minimum group size: 15 people
Minimum group size: 29 people

Language(s) of the visit

English French

Individual visit services

  • Mandatory guided individual tours

Group visit services

  • Mandatory guided group visits

Opening

Opening hours from June 24 to August 31, 2025
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen

Guided tour only at 11 a.m., 14:30 p.m. and 16 p.m.: tour of approximately 00 hour: stables, terraces, citadel, reception rooms, chapel.
The “Chemin de dans”, a communal circular path going around the fortress, is permanently accessible.

Admission fees

Admission feesMin.Max.
Adult
8 €Not disclosed
Kids

5 €Not disclosed
Adult group package

7 €Not disclosed
Free for children under: 6 years old

Payment methods

  • Cheque
  • Cash

Services

Equipments

  • Picnic area.
  • Toilets
  • Parking nearby

Services

  • Educational visits
  • Coach access
  • Tourist Documentation
  • Guided tours

Activities on site

  • Concert
  • Temporary exhibitions

Home animals

NOT_ACCEPTED

Adapted tourism

Adapted service: Not wheelchair accessible
From 8 € / adult

Address

2 Place du Four
Bouzols
43700 Arsac-en-Velay
How do I get there?

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