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Origin and history

Castanet Castle, built in the 16th century in Pourcharesses (Lozère), is an emblematic monument of Cevenola architecture. Its name, derived from the occitan castanet ("chestoigneraie"), reflects the forested environment of the region. Located near the Regordane road, a medieval path taken by pilgrims, it was also crossed by the Via Soteirana linking Mende to Villefort. Today, it overlooks Lake Villefort, created after the construction of the homonymous dam.

Originally the land of Castanet belonged to the betting lords of the Guérin Guard, vassals of the Bishop of Mende. In the 13th century, it was integrated into the parish of Saint-Victorin-de-Villefort, dependent on the abbey of Saint-Gilles. In 1550 Robert Brun became owner of the house before selling it in 1571 to Jacques d'Isarn de Villefort, who erected the current manor house the following year. The latter, enlarged by his descendants, has a family coat of arms on his chimney.

In the 17th century, the castle lost its importance for the family of Isarn. Jacques Joseph d'Isarn, heir, married Marie Suzanne de Valicourt, Marquise de Villefort and sub-governor of the children of France (1709-1744), particularly responsible for the education of future kings like Louis XV. In 1760, the castle was sold to Jean-Louis Baldit, then to Victorin Bonnet-Ladevèze in 1784, before being confiscated as a national property during the Revolution.

In the 20th century, the castle barely escaped destruction during the creation of the Villefort Dam (1956-1957), saved by its inscription in the inventory of historical monuments in 1964. After a fire in 2000, it was restored and reopened in 2006 for visits and exhibitions, managed by the community of communes. Its rectangular plan, flanked by four towers, including a barlong, illustrates its historical defensive role.

The castle, a public property, preserves unique architectural elements such as cannons and a poterne giving access to the river. Its history reflects the seigneurial, religious and economic dynamics of the Lozère, between Gevaudan and the diocese of Uzès.

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