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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Chassaigne Castle, located in Thiers in Puy-de-Dôme, is a building whose origins date back to the late 15th century. Built as a medieval castle, it underwent a major transformation in the 18th century, marking its architectural evolution. In 1728, the Marquis de Simiane became its owner and undertook major restoration work, while expanding the surrounding park. The latter, designed in English, still retains traces of its original ordering, although it has been abandoned since the 19th century.

During the French Revolution, the owners of the time, the Montmorin – a family of anoblis paper makers – had the towers of the castle destroyed, thus altering its medieval appearance. In the 20th century, the monument lost some of its woodwork and collections, but nevertheless retained remarkable elements from the 15th and 18th centuries. These include a chapel with wall paintings (one Gothic and three from the eighteenth century) and 19th-century stained glass windows, as well as a Louis XIV-style panelling room on the second floor.

Chassaigne Castle has been listed as a Historic Monument since the end of the 20th century. Two decrees, in 1988 and 1999, successively protect its interior elements (galeries, chimneys, chapel, boudoir) and exteriors (gardens, terraces, basins). The entrance gate and gate, dated 1789, as well as the studded door of the stair turret, are part of the preserved elements. The current owners have initiated a partial restoration of the park, building on the archaeological remains still visible (land movements, terraces, basins).

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