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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Hotel de La Ronade, located in the medieval village of Salers (Cantal), is a 15th century urban house built in Andesite, typical of local architecture. Its carefully fitted facade and narrow staircase turret make it a remarkable example of noble auvergnat habitat. The house, dated from 1356 on three levels, belonged to the family André de La Ronade, several members of which were magistrates at the bailliage of Salers. She even appeared in the cinema in La Cité de l'indicible feauté (Jean-Pierre Mocky).

The André de La Ronade family, which emerged from the alliance between the Ronat and the Andres in 1336, marked local history by its judicial and ecclesiastical functions. Among his members, Jacques André (abandoned in 1582) was an adviser to the Parliament of Paris, while Jean André wrote the custom of Salers. Their coat of arms — a silver chevron with two flanks and a golden sun — symbolizes their influence. The house, classified as Historic Monument in 1927 (façades and roofs), housed guest rooms and a tea salon until 2019, before closing permanently.

The family's genealogical history extended until the 19th century, with figures such as Antoine Ignace, colonel dead in 1773, or Marguerite de Tournier, guillotined in 1794 for his support of the emigrants. The last notable descendant, Georges Charles André de La Ronade (1805–?), married Claire Josephine de Selve. The house, now closed to the public, retains a north facade renovated in 2019. His history is documented by sources such as the Nobiliary of Auvergne and the work of local historian Philippe Garrigue.

Architecturally, the house is distinguished by its late 15th century stair turret, an element classified in 1929. Its exact location, Tysandier-d-Escous square, makes it a central point of the village of Salers, a medieval village renowned for its volcanic stone heritage. Although visits ceased after 2014, the Hotel de La Ronade remains a testimony of the judicial elites and social transformations of the Auvergne, from the Wars of Religion to the Revolution.

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