Castelnau-Valence brings together medieval architectural history, memories of the Camisards, historic water supply and regional produce, along with a distinctive natural feature: the Cade. The village’s history takes different forms—as a castle complex, windmill and memorial site; direct sales, meanwhile, offer specific agricultural products. If you plan your trip around your interests, architecture, the history of technology, remembrance, landscape and local produce can each provide a focus of their own.

Castle complex and château

The Château de Castelnau-Valence was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. The medieval hamlet of Castelnau is a castle complex from the same period, distinguished by four towers: two round and two square. The construction period and tower shapes therefore offer different points of reference for the history of architecture. The château itself is not open to visitors today, but can be seen from a yellow-marked hiking trail. Check access locally if you plan to take the trail for a view of the complex.

Water supply and remembrance

The Castelnau-Valence windmill was built in 1901 to supply the village of Castelnau-Valence with water. It used the “des Pousets” spring and supplied Castelnau-Valence and Saint-Dézéry. It was restored in 2002. The two dates mark different stages: 1901, when it was built for its original purpose, and 2002, when it was later restored. The windmill thus adds a technical aspect of local history to the castle complex.

At the D203, the Pierre de Rolland memorial commemorates the death of the Camisard leader Pierre Laporte dit Rolland in 1704. The dates help put things into context: the castle complex is described in terms of a period of construction, while the memorial is associated with a specific year of death. Medieval architectural history and the memory of the Camisards thus stand side by side as distinct historical points of reference.

The Cade of Castelnau-Valence

The Cade of Castelnau-Valence is 13 metres high and has a circumference of 4.55 metres. It is said to be almost a thousand years old—an approximate age given alongside the precise measurements of height and circumference. The Cade stands about 200 metres south of the château park, on the left-hand side of a small path in the locality known as LAPARAN. The distance is a guide; the path and locality name provide further orientation. The château is described in terms of its construction period and tower shapes, while the Cade is notable for its measurements and approximate age.

Regional produce

If regional produce is among your travel interests, two different farm-gate sales are worth considering. The GAEC du Mas de Quet farm in Castelnau-Valence sells beef and pork, terrines and charcuterie directly from the farm; check product availability before travelling. Soleil des Capitelles sells olive oil directly from the farm. For Soleil des Capitelles, you should also check opening days as well as availability.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Saint-Ambroix, Vic-Le-Fesq, Arpaillargues-Et-Aureillac, Cros, Molières-Cavaillac, Mialet, Massillargues-Attuech, Garrigues-Sainte-Eulalie.

For the overview of the wider region, see Gard.