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Origin and history

Billy Castle, located in the department of Allier in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is an ancient fortress founded in the 13th century, rebuilt in the 14th century and modified in the Renaissance. Built on a limestone nipple between two tributaries of the Allier, it embodies "philippian" military architecture, typical of castles built under the influence of Philippe Auguste. Its remains, now protected, include a polygonal enclosure flanked by semicircular towers, a cylindrical dungeon, and an oval lower court. The site, strategic, dominates the valley and offers a panorama of the valley of Allier.

The fortress is linked to the ascent of the Bourbon Sires, which acquired it in 1232 from the Hugues of Colombia. Integrated into the Duchy of Bourbon, the castle became the seat of a royal bailiff, then of a chestnutry covering up to 62 parishes at its peak (XVth–XVIth centuries). It symbolized the rivalry between the Bourbons and the Counts of Auvergne, vassals of the kings of England. Among his famous chestnuts is Pierre, bastard of Bourbon (1471–88), son of Duke Charles I, reflecting the administrative and military importance of the site.

The decline of the castle began in the 16th century, marked by the wars of Religion. In 1576 he was besieged and damaged by Protestants led by the prince of Condé, losing his central role. In the 17th century, Henry IV gave it to financiers like Sébastien Zamet, before he served as a prison until 1790. Abandoned in the 19th century, it was bought by the commune in 1963. Today, its ruins, classified as historical monument (1921, 1929), welcome tourist activities.

The architecture of the castle combines 13th century defensive elements (circular towers, archeries) and subsequent additions, such as the entrance castle (14th century) or an octagonal watch tower (15th century). The upper courtyard, surrounded by courtines, once housed houses, a chapel and stables, of which traces remain. The lowyard, below, was protected by a enclosure and a captainship (15th century). Archaeological excavations revealed various occupations, confirming its dual use: military fortress and seigneurial residence.

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