Château de Ventadour stands dramatically atop a rocky spur at 572 meters elevation, overlooking the gorges of the Soudeillette and Vigne rivers in Corrèze. Originally constructed in the 11th century with notable additions through the 15th century, the castle commanded the Viscounty of Ventadour and later became a duchy in 1578. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle housed a celebrated poetic school founded by troubadour Ebles II, where the renowned troubadour Bernard de Ventadour was born. Today's ruins reveal the ramparts, a round tower, the former lordly dwelling, and the Chapel of Saint-Georges. Owned by the municipality since 1988, it offers summer visits and evokes both medieval feudal power and the flowering of courtly love tradition.
