Val Castle: A place for leisure and relaxation!

The Château de Val is in the Cantal BUT it belongs to the Town Hall of Bort-les-Orgues, in Corrèze ! And it is so close to the border that we wanted to tell you about it… Just a few minutes from Bort-les-Orgues, on the banks of the Dordogne, don't miss this delightful place in the summer season and all year round for walks with a breathtaking panorama.

A castle built on water?

The Château de Val is nestled in lush greenery on the shores of the Bort-les-Orgues reservoir. Has it always been perched on the water like this? No! It was when the valley was flooded following the creation of the reservoir for the dam (so that the accumulated water could power the turbines generating electricity) that it found itself showcased in this way, like a castle !

With its defensive yet elegant appearance, it reflects its era: the 15^th century, straddling the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of a period when comfort was as important as fortifications. The main building is flanked by six pepperpot towers and is quite impressive with its machicolations. While it was once a residence, today it is a place of leisure and exhibitions (from April to October) where renowned artists have come to present their works. There is an entrance fee to visit the castle, but admiring it is free (as are the courtyard and chapel)! In summer, concerts and aperitif concerts are held there (on Wednesdays), creating a truly magical atmosphere ! In the center of the castle is a superb little chapel (Saint-Blaise) which is open to visitors. Guided tours are organized upon request for groups, and in the summer, these are complemented by fun activities for children.

We are here in Haute-Auvergne, a small part of Limousin in Auvergne, located in the commune of Lanobre. Initially, it was perched atop a 30m rock (in 1951), which gives you an idea of how deep the reservoir is, and you will learn more by visiting the very informative museum located at the foot of the Bort-les-Orgues dam.

Having fun by the lake, on the Dordogne

The reservoir is huge! Numerous water sports can be enjoyed from the Château de Val leisure center. Water skiing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boating are all available. The on-site Aqua Loisirs center offers motorboat and pedal boat rentals, jet ski rides, and of course, fishing ! In the summer, a fantastic inflatable structure is set up on the water, and you can have a blast jumping on the giant modules. Great prices for an exceptional location!

There are several hikes starting from Château de Val, but since our website focuses exclusively on hikes in the Corrèze region, we recommend contacting the Tourist Office or your usual hiking websites for more information. For example, you could take a walk along Siauve beach.

We wish you a wonderful day of leisure at Château de Val!

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