The Most Beautiful Aveyron Castles to Explore with the Family : Messilhac

Built directly on a rocky promontory at the border of Haute Auvergne and Rouergue, the Château de Messilhac occupies a strategic position on the border in a walking region. This medieval castle was originally composed of a classical Romanesque donjon, now called the West Donjon, surrounded by an imposing enclosure flanked by five to seven defensive towers. Unfortunately, only two of these towers remain today: an original square tower in the south-east and a modified and elevated tower in the north-west, known as the "dungeon tower."

The location of the castle, overlooking the Goul valley, was particularly strategic. This valley, one of the eight that take their source in the Cantal Lead, represented an intrusion route to the Haute Auvergne from the south. On both sides of this valley, other castles and historical monuments have coexisted with Messilhac, including the Château de Cropières and the Tour de Puechmouriez, located upstream on the left bank of the Goul. A medieval village, now disappeared, was also at the foot of the castle, along the river, but there is no trace of it except for some ruins.

The Château de Messilhac is an integral part of the history of the region of Carladez, a land of seigneuries and conflicts. A few kilometers away, there are several bastides, vestiges of the Middle Ages, which testify to the structuring of the territories in fortified cities. For centuries, Messilhac remained in the same family, passing from generation to generation through inheritance until 1942. In 1998, Olivier Dubois, its current owner, acquired the castle and undertook extensive restoration to preserve this unique historical monument. Today, Messilhac continues to attest to the rich medieval past of the region, offering a window on the history and grandeur of Auvergne.

The Château de Messilhac, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages, was built on a rocky spur to protect the surrounding valley and mark the presence of the seigneurial family of the same name. Located in the Cantal, away from major roads, it played a strategic role throughout its history as a defensive stronghold. Over the centuries, it passed into several hands, being successively fortified and modified according to defense needs and architectural modes. In the 16th century, it was partially transformed into a seigneurial residence, with more comfortable facilities, but it retained its aspect of an impregnable citadel, with its towers and protective enclosure.

The history of the castle is marked by many battles, especially during the wars of religion, where it served as a refuge for the Catholics of the region. Its patrol path, once used by the soldiers in charge of its defense, now offers visitors a unique panorama on the surrounding landscapes and on the ruins of adjacent old buildings.

Today, although it has undergone modifications and restorations, it retains much of its medieval character, testifying to the centuries of history that have shaped the architectural heritage of Cantal. Visiting this castle is to immerse yourself in the history of the region and discover the remains of a once lively village, with cobbled streets lined with stately buildings and houses typical of the villages of France.