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Origin and history

The castle of Crocq, built in stone around 1190, was erected by Robert I, Count of Clermont and Dauphin of Auvergne, son of Guillaume VII. The latter, deprived of his title and his lands by his uncle Guillaume VIII, retained Crocq as the western strategic point of his possessions, thus forming the Dauphine of Auvergne. Located on the old road linking Clermont to Limoges via Felletin, the castle played a key military role in regional conflicts.

In 1196, the lands of Crocq and Combraille were confiscated by King Philip Auguste after the rallying of Robert I and his cousin Guy II of Auvergne to Richard Coeur de Lion. Returned in 1199, they underwent further confiscation in 1203. The castle, a symbol of feudal resistance, was finally destroyed in 1632 by order of Cardinal Richelieu, marking the end of his defensive role.

Today, there are only two semicircular towers connected by a courtine, partially restored by a local association. The left tower houses exhibitions, while the right tower provides access to a panorama from the top. Ranked a historic monument in 1926, the site preserves architectural elements such as a spiral staircase and vaulted rooms, testimonies of its medieval past.

Three 16th century chimneys, initially present in the castle, were moved and re-used in houses in the village. These remains, though fragmentary, illustrate the architectural evolution and strategic importance of Crocq throughout the centuries.

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