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Origin and history

Cadrieu Castle, located in the Lot department in Occitanie, is a building combining medieval and Renaissance elements. It stands on an escarpment overlooking the Lot Valley, east of the village of Cadrieu, from which it is geographically isolated. Its history is closely linked to the Cadrieu family, mentioned from the thirteenth century with Hugues de Cadrieu, made knight in 1292. The site remained under their control until the 18th century, before passing to the lords of Lostanges by alliance.

During the Hundred Years' War, the castle suffered British attacks in 1390 but resisted. The tower, probably built in the 14th century, and the ground floor of the main house, dating from the 16th century, testify to its architectural transformations. A campaign of work in the seventeenth century gives it its present aspect. Part of the estate was demolished later to give way to a road and a railway, contributing to its decline.

The castle, which became private property, is now partially in ruins after decades of abandonment. Since 2019, it has hosted the Madistan Music Festival, restoring cultural life to this historic site. Its architecture consists of a barlong tower flanked by two bodies of L-shaped buildings, with medieval remains visible as bays and a rectangular window. The main house, opened on the courtyard by arcades, preserves a north wing in ruins.

Historical sources, such as the count of 1504 in Quercy, confirm the presence of Antoine de Cadrieu as lord of the place. Bibliographical references, including the work of Louis d'Alauzier and Abbé René Clary, document his evolution and role in the region. The castle is listed in the General Inventory of Occitanie and that of the county council of the Lot.

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