CHATEAU DU MIRAL

"Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has been closely linked to the history of the troubles and wars that affected Gévaudan for five centuries. The fortified complex includes a vast square keep flanked by a high round tower on one side, various constructions annexes and defense works. It grew after the 16th and 17th centuries when the Malbosc de Miral family gradually enlarged it. "The Renaissance period is represented by the mullioned windows of the former stately home as well as the interior wall paintings (chapel, west building). This fortified castle bears witness to the military architecture of the 13th and 14th centuries with the development of "a natural defensive site, double enclosure, dungeon and important local seigneury which exploited neighboring silver mines. It also retains sculpted and painted decorations which make it one of the rare civil buildings in this region to have preserved them". The information framed by quotation marks comes from the Mérimée database. The Château du Miral is located on the road to Pont-de-Montvert, 10km from Florac. The building dominating the confluence between the Runes river and the Tarn, is visible from the D998 road. During your visit, the different stages of construction will be explained to you. The Gothic building that you can see was added to the keep and the ramparts around the 15th century. The chapel decorated with 14th century frescoes is also open for visits. At the time of the French Revolution, due to hazardous successions of owners, the castle gradually fell into ruin until a private action at the beginning of the 1980s. This action made it possible to restore this former Catholic stronghold and to protect this well by a registration with historical monuments since 1984. Visit only by appointment. Duration: 1 hour. Information from the Pont-de-Montvert tourist office: 04.66.45.81.94

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