Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

Montvert Castle, located in Carbes in Tarn (Occitanie), is a monument occupied since ancient times, as evidenced by a Gallo-Roman funeral well discovered in 1968. The current building, built from the 13th century, was originally a square castle flanked by four towers of 20 meters, with an inner courtyard and a central well. It underwent major transformations in the 18th century, keeping today only two original towers and a courtyard framed by a U-building.

In 1592, the castle belonged to the knight of La Mote, before being taken and partially burned by Protestants in 1617. In the 17th century, he passed into the hands of the Dulac family, which restored and preserved him until 1874, when the heirs of Count Jean-Melchior-Marie Dulac, mayor of Carbes, sold him. This noble family, originally from Languedoc and maintained in its nobility in 1669, deeply marks the history of the place.

The current architecture reflects these changes: two medieval towers remain (one round and one square), while the U-shaped structure open to the north and the inner courtyard date back to 18th century modifications. The castle thus illustrates centuries of history, between religious conflicts, family heritages and architectural evolutions.

The Dulac family, divided into two branches (Montvert and La Clauze), plays a key role in preserving the monument. Its members, such as Melchior II du Lac (Mayor and Prefect in the 19th century) or Jean-Melchior du Lac (Colonel of Dragons), embody the local anchor of this line, maintained in nobility since 1669. Their genealogy, attested since the 12th century, underscores their lasting influence in Occitanie.

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