CHATEAU DE SAINT-ALBAN-SUR-LIMAGNOLE

The castle is located on the Via Podensis, one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.
Mentioned as early as the 12th century, this stronghold is probably much older.

Rebuilt in the 15th century and subject to various modifications, alterations and restorations (see below), it became a psychiatric hospital in 1821, with the arrival of Joseph Tissot, known as Brother Hilarion, whose vocation was to serve the insane.
It quickly became a hospital renowned for the quality of its care.

This Renaissance castle now houses the tourist office, which also hosts temporary exhibitions and shows in the beautiful courtyard. However, the interior of the castle is not open to the public.

Guided tours of the château are available for groups.
Access only via the courtyard.


"From the 13th century onwards, the House of Apcher occupied the fortified castle, which was gradually transformed into a manor house.
In the 14th century, the village was occupied by English invaders. The castle was then the seat of a fiefdom under the authority of the Bishop of Mende.
Built in the 15th century, the castle was subsequently mutilated by the removal of its upper sections. Surrounding an inner courtyard, the buildings are laid out on a roughly rectangular plan with a round tower at each corner. The entrance gate, in red sandstone with a tympanum bearing a shield, was opened under Henry IV.
On one side of the courtyard is a three-storey gallery dating back to the 17th century.

Inside, one of the side rooms has a wooden ceiling decorated with paintings radiating out from three medallions depicting feudal castles, no doubt regional".

Information from the Mérimée database

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