The castle is surrounded by the waters of the Dordogne River following the construction of the hydroelectric dam.
The structure survived the 1950s flooding that submerged the surrounding valley floor.
Its six towers were originally designed with defensive machicolations and battlements.
The interior chapel contains a 15th-century carved wooden statue of the Virgin Mary.
The site hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions in its vaulted rooms.
The castle is managed by the town of Bort-les-Orgues rather than a private estate.
Architecturally, it represents the transition from feudal military architecture to residential dwellings.
The Castle of Val is a 13th-century fortress situated on the banks of the Bort-les-Orgues reservoir in the Auvergne region. Originally overlooking a river valley, the castle remained untouched by the flooding of the Bort-les-Orgues dam in the 1950s, which transformed its surroundings into a lake. The structure features six distinct towers topped with slate-covered pepper-pot roofs. Its architecture serves as a transition between medieval defensive styles and Renaissance residential design. The interior retains historical tapestries, period furniture, and a chapel dedicated to Saint Blaise. It is currently owned by the municipality of Bort-les-Orgues and functions as an exhibition and heritage site.
The shoreline path during late afternoon provides the best reflection shots on the water.
Walk the perimeter trail along the water for different angles of the castle rising above the lake.
Check the local exhibition schedule beforehand, as the internal displays change regularly.
Combine the visit with a boat trip on the reservoir to see the castle's position from the water.
Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir directly adjacent to the castle grounds, as specific beach and swimming zones are designated elsewhere.
Closed during parts of the winter season; usually open daily during the spring, summer, and autumn months.
Maintain a quiet tone inside the historical rooms; do not touch the preserved tapestries or artifacts.
