From fortress to Renaissance home

The castle was founded around the 12th century on a headland above the Goul, by a branch of the house of Rodez that then held the viscounty of Carlat. The west keep dates from this first fortress; it was later raised and topped with machicolations. The Gothic east tower came next.

In 1531 Jean de Montamat turned the fortress into a house of his own time: the date is carved on a stone in the façade. Between the two square towers, the new main building was given mullioned windows, carvings and a doorway framed by columns. It is now the only Renaissance ensemble in the Cantal to have survived intact. The castle then passed to the Chapt de Rastignac family, governors of Upper Auvergne during the Wars of Religion, and then to the du Greil family until the 1940s. It has been a listed historic monument since 1921 and has belonged to its current owners since 1998.

What the tour shows you

  • The straight Italian-style staircase, which replaced the old spiral stair, under ribbed vaults.
  • The entrance hall in Flamboyant Gothic style, with ribs coming down onto carved corbels.
  • The rooms of the main building, with beamed ceilings and large fireplaces.
  • The film sets: the kitchen, the great drawing room and the queen's bedroom appear in The Princess of Montpensier, and a few items from the shoot are still there.
  • The view from the watchtowers over the Goul valley.

Practical information

  • Guided tours: in 2026, at 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm, every day except Saturday, during the summer season. In French and English.
  • Prices: about €9 for an adult, €6 for ages 10 to 16, free for under-10s.
  • Booking: +33 6 27 83 42 25. Dates change from year to year, so call before you set off.
  • On site: car park and a shaded picnic area.

Getting there on foot

A waymarked loop starts from the hamlet of Peyrat, in the commune of Taussac, in front of the cemetery: 7.5 km, 2 hrs 45 and 277 metres of climb. It goes down into the Goul valley, fords two streams and climbs back up a steep path to the castle entrance, with views of Mur-de-Barrez and the Ronesque rock. The route forms a figure of eight: follow the waymarks carefully, and take care on the last descent in wet weather.

Our tip

Combine Messilhac and Mur-de-Barrez in the same day: the old town in the morning, a picnic, then the 3 pm tour of the castle.