Le Malzieu-Ville

Lozère
Family-friendly
Medieval festivals, sporting activities
Unusual attractions
The Legend of the Beast of Gévaudan
Medieval village
Towers, fortified gates

Le Malzieu-Ville: a medieval town at the heart of the legends of Gévaudan!

Come and explore this fortified town, nestled between the Margeride mountains and the Truyère valley, in the heart of Lozère.

Ramparts, towers, monumental gates and historic houses tell the story of over a thousand years of history, whilst the legends of the famous Beast of Gévaudan add an air of mystery to your visit.

Set amidst heritage and unspoilt landscapes, Le Malzieu-Ville promises you an authentic getaway in Margeride.

Ramparts and Legends in Margeride

In this green and wild region of northern Lozère, ramparts, medieval towers and religious heritage recount nearly a thousand years of history, whilst the legend of the Beast of Gévaudan continues to fascinate young and old alike. Welcome to all lovers of nature, ancient ruins and legends...

Tour de Bodon Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Tour de Bodon

This tower is located at the intersection of the village's eastern and southern ramparts. It houses a tourist information centre and offers superb views of the town.

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Tour de l'Horloge Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Tour de l'Horloge

Originally a feudal keep in the 13th century, this tower was converted into a prison in the 15th century. Today, the tower hosts exhibitions on life in Malzieu in days gone by and offers a 360° panoramic view of the village and its surroundings.

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Eglise collégiale Saint-Hippolyte et son Trésor Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Eglise collégiale Saint-Hippolyte et son Trésor

Église de style néo-roman construite au XIXème siècle en remplacement de la précédente devenue trop petite. Cette église renferme un trésor d'art liturgique, dont une vierge en Majesté du XIIIème siècle (visible certains jours en saison).

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Word of Mouth

The Beast of Gévaudan, which wreaked havoc between 1764 and 1767, was responsible for numerous attacks, many of which were fatal: in the parish of Malzieu alone, there were no fewer than 25 victims! It was finally on 19 June 1767 that a hunter, Jean Chastel, killed the animal and succeeded in ridding the countryside of this scourge that had been terrorising the region for three years. Today, two sculptures stand at the entrance to Malzieu in memory of this story.


Your experiences to live in Le Malzieu-Ville

Follow the historical trail ©De Beaux Lents Demains – Margeride Tourist Office in Gévaudan

Follow the historical trail

Discover the ‘Pearl of the Valley’ through 28 information panels situated near the main heritage sites of the medieval town (towers and ramparts, the collegiate church, mansions, etc.). A brochure and a fun activity book for children are available from the Tourist Office.

Life in the Middle Ages ©Marion Larguier – Margeride Tourist Office in Gévaudan

Life in the Middle Ages

Every year, over the Ascension weekend, the “Les Médiévales” festival brings camps and stalls to the town and comes alive with concerts and shows. Hire a costume and enjoy a historic and convivial experience with family or friends!

Enjoy an evening at an open-air café by the banks of the Truyère

Enjoy an evening at an open-air café by the banks of the Truyère

Just the sort of summer atmosphere we love! Every Tuesday in August, head down to the banks of the River Truyère for some convivial evenings: concerts and meals provided by local producers will let you enjoy a simple, festive time in an enchanting natural setting.

Stock up on local produce

Stock up on local produce

At the Tuesday morning market or directly from the local producers in Malzieu, take the time to sample and pick up a few local specialities: goat’s or sheep’s cheese, mountain honey, as well as mushrooms and blueberries…

Ideas for everyone, all the time

VOYAGE AU NÉPAL

From Aug. 1, 2026 to Sept. 11, 2026

VOYAGE AU NÉPAL

Come and discover Bénédicte Bouchard's painting exhibition, Voyage au Népal, in the beautiful Chemin de Ronde hall.

Come and discover Bénédicte Bouchard's painting exhibition, Voyage au Népal, in the beautiful Chemin de Ronde hall. What is this journey? The journey that surprises us the most? To go to the four corners of the world, or to follow the one that brings us closer to ourselves, the better to grasp what's around us. Is it a little bit of each landscape we travel through, see and feel, is it the bend in a glance that suddenly grabs us, is it the crossroads of all paths? That the journey is made, that life is fulfilled and a dream realized. There's a little of everything in this project of journey and initiation... From the precision of a full or loose line, Bénédicte wants to forget the drawing and keep only the trace; to leave the frozen image for the impression; the movement, the sometimes indefinite gesture for the free expression of a relief, an atmosphere, a face. Bénédicte draws, paints... Sometimes in dry matter, sometimes in soft, greasy, wet matter, following her impulse, her instinct, without school, in self-taught improvisation.

Next dates:

  • From 08/01/2026 to 09/11/2026
48140 LE MALZIEU-VILLE
ÉMOTIONS DERRIÈRE L'OBJECTIF

From Sept. 12, 2026 to Oct. 30, 2026

ÉMOTIONS DERRIÈRE L'OBJECTIF

Come and discover Laurent Salgues' photographs, Emotions derrière l'objectif, in the beautiful Chemin de Ronde hall.

Come and discover Laurent Salgues' photographs, Emotions derrière l'objectif, in the beautiful Chemin de Ronde hall. Laurent Salgues was born in Lozère, in Rimeize. From an early age, he always enjoyed being in contact with nature. In the 80s, he discovered motorcycle trials, an outdoor sport that was to occupy his free time for just over 40 years, a true passion. As this physical sport became difficult for him, he discovered a quieter but equally captivating hobby: photography. Laurent started out with a smartphone, taking landscape photos, but the variety of wildlife soon motivated him to invest in a camera. The arrival of the new generation of hybrid cameras means that we can now enjoy immortalizing moments of life that nature has to offer. Emotions behind the lens. Laurent Salgues presents his first wildlife exhibition, featuring a wide variety of mammals and birds, all from Lozère. Wildlife photography requires a great deal of time spent prospecting for animals and birds. There are also the hours spent waiting on the lookout, and sometimes the unforgettable memories of observing and photographing them. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, but it's always a pleasure to be out in nature. I hope you enjoy the moments of life he shares with you here.

Next dates:

  • From 09/12/2026 to 10/30/2026
48140 LE MALZIEU-VILLE
LIVR'ÉCHANGE

The Sept. 14, 2026 from 4 p.m.

LIVR'ÉCHANGE

Le Drogol, the community café, invites you to share your favorite books and chat with other book lovers! Meet us from 4pm to 6pm. Membership of the association is required.

Le Drogol, the community café, invites you to share your favorite books and chat with other book lovers! Meet us from 4pm to 6pm. Membership of the association is required.

Next dates:

  • 09/14/2026
    Open every day
48140 LE MALZIEU-VILLE
SOIRÉE KARAOKÉ

From Sept. 18, 2026 to Sept. 18, 2026

SOIRÉE KARAOKÉ

The community café, Le Drogol, invites you to join us for a karaoke night! Come share a fun evening with your friends! See you on Friday, September 18, starting at 8:00 p.m. Membership in the association is required.

The community café, Le Drogol, invites you to join us for a karaoke night! Come share a fun evening with your friends! See you on Friday, September 18, starting at 8:00 p.m. Membership in the association is required.

Next dates:

  • 09/18/2026
  • 09/18/2026
48140 LE MALZIEU-VILLE

A short walk to the Verduzan hill

Treat yourself to an easy 7.5 km walk (approx. 2½ hours) up to Verduzan Hill. With very little elevation gain, this route is ideal for families and offers beautiful views over the Margeride and the splendid Truyère Gorges overlooking Le Malzieu.

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Via Ferrata in the Truyère Gorges

Get your fill of thrills on the via ferrata! Head to the Truyère Gorges for a sporting adventure with friends! The Malzieu via ferrata is accessible all year round on a self-guided basis, with equipment hire available from the Tourist Office.

In July and August, enjoy guided outings led by a qualified instructor: these include access to the long zip line that crosses the gorges. An ideal activity for thrill-seekers (suitable for adults and teenagers).

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©Ludo-Visuel-Margeride Tourist Office in Gévaudan

"La Tour d'Apcher" walk

Make the most of the return of fine weather and the reawakening of nature by setting off on this circular walk of almost 14 km (approx. 3½ hours) from Malzieu-Ville to the Tour d’Apcher. An iconic heritage site in the Margeride region, it also offers the chance to explore the remains of the houses and outbuildings, as well as the castle chapel of this former medieval village. The route winds through woods and meadows, offering superb views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, stop off at the village of Prunières to explore its beautiful Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Caprais, and let yourself be surprised by the little-known heritage sites dotted along the route.

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The Hospice Chapel

Open from April to October, the fully restored Hospice Chapel welcomes you for a peaceful visit. Inside, beautiful paintings and a serene atmosphere offer a soothing cultural interlude. A lovely place to visit, particularly on rainy days.


The Museum of the Former Ursuline Convent

Active in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Ursulines have now made way for a museum of sacred art, housing a collection of liturgical objects and vestments. Open in July and August, it invites you to discover rich and varied collections in a remarkable historic setting. An ideal cultural outing in case of bad weather (or sweltering heat!).

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©Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

A night spent high above the Truyère Gorges

Enjoy an unforgettable experience by spending the night on a cliff face in the Truyère Gorges. The adventure begins with a via ferrata, followed by the setting up of a ‘portaledge’, a specially designed cliff-side tent. Let yourself be lulled by the sound of the river below and enjoy a starry sky in a spectacular setting. Thrill-seekers, this is for you!

Activity supervised by a professional instructor.

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Map of Le Malzieu-Ville

Extend the visit to near Le Malzieu-Ville

Lavoûte-Chilhac

(33 km)

Prepare your stay at Le Malzieu-Ville

Office de Tourisme Margeride en Gévaudan

Office de Tourisme Margeride en Gévaudan

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