CHÂTEAU DE HAUTERIVES

Perched on its rock, the ruins of the Alta Ripa castle dominate the hamlet on the riverside. It is mentioned as early as the 11th century, in "le breve de la patz de Mende" as well as in "le cartulaire" of the great Benedictine Abbey of Aniane. It then belonged to the viscounts of Arpajon, the younger branch of the line of the counts of Rodez, related to the main feudal families of the region. This fort controlled the passage through the Gorges as well as a path linking the Causse Méjean to the valley. Moreover, it marked the northern limit of the possessions of the powerful "House of Anduze" which enjoyed seigneurial rights throughout the region. In the 18th century, the site was already partly destroyed. (Private property). The two enormous sections of wall are the remains of a keep of exceptional height. One can still see well-preserved loopholes. Halfway between the castle and the hamlet stands "Castelas", the former castral village of the castle recently restored.