Chanac

You will discover the village of Chanac just a few kilometers west of Mende, spanning the Lot valley and the Causse de Sauveterre. Numerous dolmens, menhirs and tumuli reveal the presence of humans on this part of the Causse de Sauveterre in prehistoric times.

The summer residence of the Bishops of Gevaudan until the French revolution, Chanac was a stronghold with an imposing castle. Of this castle, all that remains today is the thirteenth century keep which is a registered historical monument, the rest having been destroyed by the revolutionaries.

Stroll through the village, and visit the Romanesque church with its seventeenth century altar. It is a listed building where you will see the remains of ancient walls, beautiful houses with carved doors and the belfry, or clock tower.

The ramparts of Villard mark the first bastion of defence of the territory of the Lord-Bishops of Gevaudan in the west.

Today, many vestiges of the ramparts and the castle make this hamlet, which overlooks the valley, a beautiful stop-off on your way through the Lot Valley.

Please note the church of Saint-Privat Villard is closed except for religious services. Tours of the church are organised occasionally throughout the year - inquire with the Association "Pays d'Art et d'Histoire Mende & Lot en Gévaudan", Tel: +33 (0)4 66 31 27 39 or +33 (0)6 42 57 93 09.

Website: http://www.pah-mende-et-lot.fr