Château de Beauregard
The Beauregard castle was built 1000 m up on a rocky outcrop. Surrounded by void and precipices, it provided a vertiginous view over the Rhone valley and the entrance to the Val d’Anniviers. Here is a brief overview of the history of this unusual castle, once dubbed “The Impregnable”.
An analysis of the type of architecture suggests a date of origin in the 12th century. It is highly probable that the castle was the property of the de Rarognes, Lords of Anniviers. It could have fulfilled the following functions:
- Defence of the access to the Val d’Anniviers
- Defence of the road along the left bank of the Rhône
- An observation post over the plain
- A beacon communication relay point
- A last-resort refuge for the noble families of the plain
The Savoyards laid siege to the castle in the 14th century. This incident probably caused structural damage to the building, but it was the attack in the 15th century that struck the fatal blow: following a revolt against the grand bailiff, the Patriots of Upper Valais stormed the Château de Beauregard.The whole castle was destroyed by fire as a result.
Educational trail
In order to highlight this historical monument, the "Château de Beauregard" Foundation was created in 2008 and installed an educational trail along the path between Niouc and Beauregard Castle
- Defence of the access to the Val d’Anniviers
- Defence of the road along the left bank of the Rhône
- An observation post over the plain
- A beacon communication relay point
- A last-resort refuge for the noble families of the plain
The Savoyards laid siege to the castle in the 14th century. This incident probably caused structural damage to the building, but it was the attack in the 15th century that struck the fatal blow: following a revolt against the grand bailiff, the Patriots of Upper Valais stormed the Château de Beauregard.The whole castle was destroyed by fire as a result.
Educational trail
In order to highlight this historical monument, the "Château de Beauregard" Foundation was created in 2008 and installed an educational trail along the path between Niouc and Beauregard Castle
Description
- The starting point of the educational trail is at the small parking lot after the hairpin bend at the entrance to Niouc
- The site is visited under your own responsibility. The area around the castle is steep and everyone should take every precaution to avoid danger.
- Children as well as people prone to vertigo must be accompanied and equipped with a via ferrata set if necessary
- Ascent: 25 minutes
Practical information
- Audioguide to download
- QRcodes to scan on the panels during the visit
Useful documents
Opening times
On request
Guided tours
