The castle of Val, a former fortified castle of the 13th century, reshaped and restored several times, stands on the commune of Lanobre in the department of Cantal, but it is part of the heritage of the commune of Bort-les-Orgues in Corrèze.
In the past, the castle dominated the valley.
Today, the water of the artificial lake arrives at the foot of its walls, its park having disappeared under the waters of the lake.
As a historical monument, the castle is the subject of a classification by decree of September 23, 1946.
The same year the owners are expropriated while the project of a large dam is adopted. The family took all the furniture with them, leaving the rooms completely empty.
EDF became the owner.
In 1949 the castle was left unguarded and looted by burglars.
In 1951 the castle was placed under the protection of the Tourist Office of Bort-les-Orgues and in 1953 EDF sold the castle to the town of Bort for a symbolic price. The management is entrusted to the Tourist Office.
Discovery of the castle
Numerous works were undertaken, the roofs and masonry were redone, the large entrance tower was completely restored, as was the grand staircase and the chapel.
The 1st floor is entirely stretched with fabric to better showcase the Aubusson tapestries, re-furnishing the rooms little by little with paintings and period furniture.
The courtyard is made more attractive and the covered way rehabilitated. New lighting allows the fortress to be highlighted at night.
On a guided or self-guided audio-guided tour, the Château de Val can be discovered as you pass through the rooms and floors.
Its main courtyard, surrounded by the waters of the lake, shelters flowered spaces, greenery, fountain, large linden trees and former stables, and welcomes artists from all walks of life for evening concerts every summer.
You can also visit its chapel and its shingle roof, dedicated to Saint Blaise, classified as a historical monument.
In the video room, you will be able to discover step by step the construction and the various restorations of the castle, thanks to 3-dimensional reconstruction plans. You will also find many surprising photos of the valley of yesteryear and the construction of the dam, it gives an account of the work done for the watering of this valley.
The castle as a film location
In 1960, a scene from André Hunebelle's film Le Capitan with Jean Marais and Bourvil was shot in this castle. For the film it is named château de Clairefont and serves as a prison where Gisèle d'Angoulême is locked up. It is the well-known scene of the climbing and the dagger that breaks4.
In 1970, the castle of Val is the castle of the fairy Morgane in the film Morgane et ses nymphes by Bruno Gantillon.
In 1973, a scene from the television series Karatekas and C° (Le club de l'eau plate), with Jean Marais, was filmed in this castle.
In 1984, scenes from Alain Jessua's film Frankenstein 90 with Jean Rochefort and Eddy Mitchell were shot around the castle.
Val Castle
15270 Lanobre
Tel: 04 71 40 30 20
http://www.chateau-de-val.com/fr,1,7653.html
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