Church "Saint-Victor"

Gothic-style church. Year of construction: 12th century. Listed as a historical monument in 1963.
The church dates from the 12th century and was remodeled until the 15th century. It was the site of a priory of Benedictine nuns. In 1794, during the French Revolution, the bell tower collapsed, and the statues and liturgical objects were destroyed. The current bell tower bears the date 1822, attesting to a post-revolutionary reconstruction. It is a beautiful mixed-style building: the porch is Romanesque, while the chancel and chapels are in the Gothic style. The construction is primarily of volcanic stone typical of the region. The sacristy contains the remains of a "refractory" priest who was slated for canonization. The church roof was restored in the 2000s, and the building is particularly appreciated for its acoustics, which are well-suited for concerts. In the Romanesque nave, ancient capitals remain, some reused in the Gothic chancel. The apse and side chapels feature pointed Gothic vaults. A Romanesque baptismal font is also present. The liturgical furnishings include, in particular, ancient pieces linked to the priory.

The church is located in the heart of the hamlet of Chastel-Marlhac, itself situated on a basalt plateau emblematic of the region. This plateau, in the commune of Le Monteil, is formed of basalt from ancient lava flows. Its steep cliffs, basalt columns, and dry grasslands offer a striking landscape. Inhabited since antiquity, it preserves the remains of a Gallic oppidum and a Roman stronghold, testifying to its strategic importance throughout the ages.

Visit and access: self-guided visits possible, collect the keys at the Monteil town hall (04 71 40 64 02)