Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Pierregourde, located in the municipality of Gilhac-et-Bruzac in Ardèche, is an ancient seigneurial fortress built in the 13th century. Perched at an altitude of more than 600 metres on a rocky piton, it overlooks the Rhône valley and the Eyrieux, offering an exceptional panorama. Its name, derived from the old French stone watch tower, reflects its original defensive vocation. Although marked by the wars of religion between Protestants and Catholics, its ruin was mainly due to its abandonment in the seventeenth century, followed by its use as a stone quarry.

The history of the castle is linked to two seigneurial dynasties. The first, attested in 1237 with Hugues I of Pierregourde, died in 1568 with Louis de Pierregourde, killed for his Protestant commitment. The seigneury then passed to his sister, Claude de la Marette, wife of François de Barjac, Protestant leader in Vivarais. Their descendant, Jean-Annet de Pierregourde, submitted to Louis XIII in 1629 and converted to Catholicism, marking the end of Protestant influence on the site. The final heir, Louise de Pierregourde, married Louis de Maugiron in 1645.

The current remains, studied in 2016 by Émilie Comes-Trinidad, reveal an occupation between the 12th and 17th centuries. The archaeological study revealed evidence of metallurgical activities, confirming the economic importance of the site. Although partially destroyed, the castle retains walls and foundations on the southern slope, bearing witness to its former prestige. Today, there remain only ruins, but the site remains an emblematic place of ardèche heritage, evocative of the medieval and religious history of Vivarais.

External links