The imposing ruins of Rochebaron castle in Bas-en-Basset very distinctly outline the features of the medieval fortress, the first constructions of which date from the 1th century.
The majestic site is one of the most picturesque in Haute-Loire. Children and adults can be guided by their imagination: explore the places at their ease, attack the imposing tower thanks to its spiral staircase and thus reach a superb belvedere! Rochebaron castle also houses a raptor flight and falconers offer bird shows in flight every day in high season and very regularly all year round.
Visit the Château de Rochebaron, an emblematic monument of the Gorges de la Loire
Well known to locals, the Rochebaron castle dominates Bas-en-Basset and the Loire Valley from Mont Malorum. The visit site is unmissable and surprising by the variety and quality of the activities offered.
All the reasons to go to the Château de Rochebaron in Bas-en-Basset
- Reason n ° 1
It is a true witness of medieval defensive architecture! - Reason n ° 2
it is open (almost) all year round: every day during school holidays and on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons in the off season. - Reason n ° 3
You get there after a very nice walk in the forest. - Reason n ° 4
it is home to a flight of birds of prey and offers demonstrations of birds in flight (check show schedules). - Reason n ° 5
Visits are planned for groups made up of: schoolchildren, leisure centres, hikers, history and architecture enthusiasts, etc. - Reason n ° 6
The castle offers events throughout the year: Halloween, Easter Cluedo, storytelling evening under the stars, concert evening... - Reason n ° 7
The castle organizes birthday parties for children (from 6 to 11 years old), with treasure hunts, a bird of prey show or a mini falconry course. - Reason n ° 8
You can participate in a falconry discovery course, from 8 years old. - Reason n ° 9
The falconers offer walks with a raptor, in groups of 10 to 30 people, around the castle or in a relocated place. (Tuesday mornings in July and August upon registration). - Reason n ° 10
Because it's a magical place... that the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest, from the most novice to the most passionate, adores!
Useful information
How to access Rochebaron Castle?
The castle is accessible in 30 minutes on foot (and by pushchair) by a shaded forest path.
Is the path accessible to people with reduced mobility?
For people with walking difficulties, it is possible to ride in a vehicle by requesting prior authorization by telephone on 04 71 61 80 44.
No wheelchair access possible.
What are the opening hours of Château de Rochebaron?
The opening hours and shows change according to the seasons, please consult the website of the Château de Rochebaron: www.rochebaron.org
How to visit the Rochebaron aviary?
The flight can be visited freely. The falconers of Rochebaron offer demonstrations of birds of prey in flight (paid show), falconry courses of a day or half a day from 8 years old as well as walks accompanied by a bird of prey (weekly in July and August).
What are the entrance fees?
Entrance fees to the castle are: 10 euros per adult and 6 euros per child (from 6 to 16 years old), free visit and bird of prey show included.
What are the activities at Rochebaron Castle?
Numerous activities throughout the year: Halloween, Easter Cluedo, escape game, concert, storytelling evening.
The storytelling evenings under the stars are really great! Every July 14, we go up to the castle in the early evening. We are hanging on the lips of storytellers who tell us fabulous stories! At nightfall, the glow of the fireworks from the ponds is a feast for the eyes. The descent to the car is done with a headlamp in the middle of the forest which has become totally dark. What an adventure for our little ones! "
Walk with a raptor
In high season, walks with a raptor take place once a week and are accessible from 5 years old around the castle.
Sometimes, the falconer in partnership with the Tourist Office travels with his nozzles to other emblematic places of our territory, in the heart of nature: the Bilhard gorges, the Biodiversity Park, the Fraisse chapel...
Find here the testimony and experience of Mykolas, press correspondent!
A little history of Rochebaron castle…
For centuries, perched on its rocky outcrop at an altitude of 653 m, the castle watches over the the Loire Valley. Its location at the extreme southern tip of Forez, on the border of Velay made it an important strategic location. The site is grandiose surrounded on 3 sides by deep ravines. Imagine that in the Middle Ages, the castle was deemed impregnable thanks to its 3 successive enclosures, supplemented by towers, the highest of which, the round tower (23th century) is still in place with its XNUMX m height! It should also be noted to the northwest, the triangular tower and its very beautiful stonework. Door with a portcullis, machicolation, curtain wall, loophole… the whole is a magnificent example of medieval architecture.
The families of powerful lords succeeded one another there, including the Rochebaron (940-1434) and the Chalencon (1434-1618).Le détail celtique : The castle is built on the Mount Malorum, which once housed a Gallic camp. Remains of this Gallo-Roman era have also been found in the valley of Bas-en-Basset. Summer solstice traditions and legends surround this historic site!
The tour of Malorum on foot
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