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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Bonnac Castle is a building located in the municipality of Bonnac, in the department of Cantal, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It consists of a body of rectangular houses, flanked by a circular staircase tower protruding south and two scauguettes to the east. This monument illustrates a hybrid architecture, with elements dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as interior decorations added to the 18th century.

The oldest part of the castle includes a vaulted room in a cradle, built of cut stones, as well as a large fireplace equipped with a bread oven. These characteristics recall the domestic and defensive uses of castles of that time. The western wing, including the stair tower, dates back to the 16th century, while the eastern wing was erected in the following century.

The interiors of the castle reveal a rich decorative heritage. On the ground floor, the dining room and the large living room are fully panelled, with Louis XV and Louis XIV style mouldings. Upstairs, some rooms retain 18th-century panelling, as well as a 19th-century painted wood fireplace. These elements bear witness to the stylistic evolutions and successive adaptations of the monument over the centuries.

Bonnac Castle has been listed as a historical monument since 7 December 1992. This protection includes not only the main building, but also its garden with terraces and fence wall. The inscription also covers several remarkable rooms, with their woodwork and fireplaces, reflecting the heritage importance of the ensemble.

The location of the castle, in the historical region of Auvergne, makes it a witness to the architectural and social dynamics of this area. Its state of preservation and the details of its construction, such as the scalables or the stair turret, offer an overview of the techniques and tastes of the Renaissance and classical eras. These features make it a representative example of the rural castles of this period in Auvergne.

Finally, Bonnac Castle is mentioned in heritage databases such as Mérimée, and its exact address is listed as the 5031 Le Rôde in Bonnac. These references highlight its local anchor and its interest in regional history, while facilitating its identification for researchers and visitors.

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