Château de Bouzols

The two treasures of Bouzols:

The ancient fortified settlement of Bouzols overlooks the Loire River at the point where the river, emerging from the gorges that guide and channel it from its source at Mont Gerbier de Jonc, flows into the picturesque basin of Le Puy-en-Velay. A legend long circulated in the surrounding countryside that a secret underground passage lay there, allowing for a discreet escape in case of a siege. Equally secret, but quite real, a treasure, for which time and damp were the most formidable enemies, remained hidden from outside eyes for many years.

Inside a tower, built in the 13th century as part of a defensive complex, which at the time formed the advanced line of protection for the imposing keep, a small, discreet and intimate oratory has, for several centuries, formed a striking contrast with the dark and austere silhouette that stands out above the Loire in the Coubon valley.

But Bouzols holds another, even more mysterious secret. The imposing rocky castle, emblematic of medieval Velay, has a defensive system made particularly ingenious by the care that a medieval "Vauban" and his stonemasons took to make it invisible to the eyes of potential attackers.

When you visit Bouzols, you will be struck and captivated by the contrast between a moat, the unlikely beating heart of an impregnable fortress, and the gentle, soothing artistic treasure that has now regained the colors and patina so carefully bestowed upon it by the painter of old. You can then reflect on the strange connection uniting these two unknowns: the military genius of the 12th century and the painter of the late Renaissance.

Guided tours from June 30th to September 6th (every day except Mondays).
Tour of approximately 1 hour: stables, terraces, citadel, reception rooms, chapel.

Represented by the Association "Bouzols fortress of the future".