AtaraxiaFor all lovers of walks and beautiful spots in the south of France, come and discover the incredible story of Grandval Castle, located in Teillet in the Tarn, Occitanie.
Built in the mid-16th century by Benard de Chaudière at the request of the Viscounts of Paulin, the castle changed hands among various lords and Barons of Grandval over the years.
Up until 1775, it was then that Henry de Gau de Frégeville, Marquis of Frégeville, Division General and Deputy of Tarn, became the proud owner of the estate.
His brother Charles later inherited the castle. The property would belong to a few notable names, including Raymond de Toulouse Lautrec Montfa.
The last known owner of the castle in 1930 was Henry Cassan, an engineer of arts and manufacturing, and chief engineer at the General Company for Furnace Construction.
The story of the castle continues: in 1944, it served as a refuge for the French interior resistance forces. Victim of an arson attack on June 21, 1944, at the request of the Germans, the roof of the castle gave way, and the estate was eventually abandoned.
Despite its sad end, the castle marks the history of the locals and visitors with its very particular location. Indeed, in 1955, the Razisse dam was built, and the castle could not withstand it and became almost entirely flooded. But when the water level of Lake Razisse is low, it becomes accessible, and some walking and/or urbex enthusiasts take on the challenge of visiting the ruins of this charming estate.
Not far from the castle, one can also discover the ruins of another building, which was probably one of the dependencies connected to the castle.
Despite the formal prohibition to visit, some curious individuals regularly venture there and tread on these lands that are far from finishing their story.
Whether submerged or not, this castle is a place to visit in any weather. The mist will give it a mysterious touch, and the sun will let you glimpse the traces of its history.
