The Malzieu-Ville

A city with an ancient…and eventful history !

Like many places in the region, the Malzieu area seems to have been inhabited since Neolithic times! But the oldest written mention of the town dates back to 881.

In 1055, Le Malzieu became the property of the Barons of Mercœur, one of the eight baronies of Gévaudan.  The priory of Saint-Hippolyte was founded by the monks of the abbey of Saint-Gilles. In the 13th century, Le Malzieu got a brand new defence architecture (ramparts, keeps, watchtowers, fortified gates) to protect itself from the brigands who were ravaging the country at the time. During the Hundred Years Long War, the town was besieged and looted several times…

• In the 16th century, religious wars raged throughout the country and the Malzieu was not spared. In 1573, the Huguenot captain Mathieu Merle used all his cunning to take the fortified town and locked the town’s notables in the Clock Tower before ransoming their freedom!

In the 17th century, after a dark episode of black plague, a terrible fire ravaged the city… This period will also be the moment of the creation of the Brotherhood of the White Penitents in the current premises of the town hall and the convent of the Ursulines. You can also visit the convent in the summer, which has now been transformed into a museum!

From the Beast of Gévaudan to the present day…

The Malzieu-Ville and its surroundings will also be the scene of the famous story of the Beast of Gévaudan. From 1764 to 1767, it traumatised, attacked and killed in the region, leaving behind a still thick mystery that continues to fascinate ! To find out all about this dark affair, take a look at our summary here.

Last but not least, during the Second World War, Margeride was a hiding place for many Jewish families as well as for artists, philisophers, scientists and resistance fighters. In this respect, the psychiatric hospital of Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, 10 kilometres south of Le Malzieu, plays a central role.

Le Malzieu will also be a place of passage for pilgrims coming from Le Puy-en-Velay and on their way to Santiago de Compostela, as attested by some period maps and shell inscriptions. Arriving in the town, they had to cross the Truyère on the Notre-Dame bridge, before heading towards Aubrac.

A festive village!

Nowaday a peaceful village of Margeride, the Malzieu-Ville comes alive as soon as the sunny days arrive. Festivals, concerts, markets, fairs, festivities: there is something for all tastes and all ages. Here’s an overview of the must-sees!

• Unforgettable – The Medieval Festival of  Le Malzieu. Every year, during the long week-end of Ascension day, the medieval town dons its pennants, banners and coat of arms for three days of festivities! Immerse yourself in the atmosphere by clicking here.
• Fairy-tale like – The musical gatherings of Le Malzieu. At the beginning of August, when the days are still long and the nights refreshing, the Malzieu welcomes these gatherings where classical music and heritage meet. Four days of workshops, initiation for the youngest, theatre and concerts in the open air or in high places of local heritage. Discover the festival as if you were there by clicking here.
• Intriguing – The Days of the Beast. At the end of August, plunge into the eventful history of the Beast of Gévaudan during a festive weekend. On the schedule : a conference on the legend of the Beast, an art competition, the big “Read out of the Beast”, local producers, a night market and an evening concert.
• Picturesque – Markets. Whether it is the weekly market on Tuesday mornings, the night markets, the Malzévien Market or the Wool & Silk Market, the cobbled streets and the surrounding hills offer an idyllic setting. Don’t forget to take your basket and head for the market.