ENSEMBLE FORTIFIE DU VILLARD

The Villard Vieux and the Villard Jeune face each other at the same height, on either side of a small gorge carved out here by the Lot The fortified complex was built around the 12th century by the bishops of Mende, to defend the castle of Chanac. It is a defensive site composed of several buildings surrounded by a surrounding wall pierced with loopholes (probably dating from the 14th century). One enters through a door framed by two round towers, protected by a portcullis. Inside, along the ramparts, the buildings evoke the Middle Ages with the remains of the keep, but also the 16th century with a massive building flanked by a staircase tower, pierced with cross windows The church is Romanesque but was rebuilt in the Gothic period. Recognizable by its 19th century bell tower-porch, it is decorated with wall paintings inside The site also offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, including the southern slopes of the Cham de Palherets and the Lot valley.