Remparts du Villard | From Aubrac to the Gorges du Tarn

AllaboutLes remparts du Villard

On the rocky spur that dominates the Lot downstream from Chanac, two settlements coexist: Villard Vieux, the first high-perched village, and Villard Jeune, the second.

Gateway to the fortified village of Villard in the Chanac area overlooking the Lot Valley

Église Saint Privat au Villard - Medieval village on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Lot river below Chanac.

On the rocky spur that dominates the Lot downstream from Chanac, two settlements coexist: Le Villard Vieux, the first high-perched village, and Le Villard Jeune, the second. In the Middle Ages, Villard was part of the mandement of Château de Chanac, an episcopal possession of which all that remains today is the famous keep. Le Villard jeune dates back to the 13th century, with the founding of Château de Villard. At that time, the hamlet was a fortified outpost used to defend the western flank of the episcopal domain from the forces of the Capetian kings based at La Canourgue, Chirac and Marvejols. Damaged during the Wars of Religion, Villard was abandoned in favor of Chanac. The hamlet gradually declined until it was completely abandoned in the 18th century. In the 1980s, the ramparts, the church, the fortified gate and some of the houses were restored with the help of the French government and local authorities, including the commune of Chanac. The renovated complex is a typical example of a medieval episcopal fortress. It is open to visitors at all times.

In the Middle Ages, Villard was part of the mandement of Château deChanac, an episcopal possession of which all that remains today is the famous keep. Le Villard jeune dates back to the 13th century, with the founding of Château de Villard. At that time, the hamlet was a fortified outpost used to defend the western flank of the episcopal domain from the forces of the Capetian kings based at La Canourgue, Chirac and Marvejols.

Damaged during the Wars of Religion, Villard was abandoned in favor of Chanac. The hamlet gradually declined until it was completely abandoned in the 18th century. In the 1980s, the ramparts, the church, the fortified gate and some of the houses were restored with the help of the French government and local authorities, including the commune of Chanac, through a school project. The renovated complex is a typical example of a medieval episcopal fortress. It is open to visitors at all times.

All about the ramparts

du Villard

in the Lot Valley

How do I get to the Villard ramparts?
Located in the south of France, in the Occitanie region, Le Villard is situated along the Lot Valley, 25 minutes by car from Mende, prefecture of Lozère, and less than 10 minutes from the A75 freeway, exit 39.1.
How to get there
Where to eat?
Le Villard is just a 5-minute drive from the village of Chanac, where you’ll find all the shops you need and plenty of places to eat!
Walking in Villard...
There’s a 12km signposted walk or mountain bike ride starting from the route du pont vieux in Chanac, which will enable you to discover Le Villard and the surrounding area.
Hiking trail no. 33: Le Villard.

Prepare

your stay in Aubrac

Accommodation in the Lot Valley

Bars and restaurants in the Lot Valley

Shops and crafts in the Lot Valley

Festivals and events in the Lot Valley