The medieval "village"
The first buildings probably date from the middle of the XIIth century since the canons were earmarked to reside on the hill by the bishop in 1168. The buildings were made of wood and have left no trace. The first stone houses appeared in the XIIIth century and covered the whole site. A short time afterwards they were surrounded by a crenellated outer wall that followed the natural contours of the landscape. Valère thus became a fortified site.
During the next century the first dwelling places were extended and the defences improved – four corner towers, interior doors and walls reinforced protection of the church, which also obtained some military enforcements with its crenels. Furthermore, the building called the "gardes", which has become the reception of the modern day history museum, was built at this time. Its room with the wide, easily identifiable, ogival windows, is the only one of this magnitude on the site. Reminiscent of a seigniorial lecture hall, it was most probably intended for communal use.
Just above there are two buildings side by side that also had a specific use. The first leading up to the church is that of the "Dean", thus named because it used to serve as the residence for the Dean of the cathedral Chapter. On the first floor the rooms are fitted out comfortably with XVIIth century panelling covering the walls and potstone stoves. The second, called the "Calendes", contains, on the first floor along the entire length of the building, a room richly decorated with murals. They represent the "Nine Valiant Knights", symbols of courtly ideals and a Crucifixion. This room served an important communal function and was perhaps used as a courtroom.