Construction of the first castle XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
First building attested on the current site.
XVe siècle
Expansion or reconstruction
Expansion or reconstruction XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Major modification of the medieval castle.
1944
Pétain Summer Residence
Pétain Summer Residence 1944 (≈ 1944)
Occupation by Philippe Pétain.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Comte d’Arfeuilles - Owner and reconstructor
Have the current neogothic castle built.
Philippe Pétain - Temporary resident
Stayed there in 1944.
Origin and history
The Château du Lonzat is an iconic monument located in the commune of Marcenat, in the department of l'Allier, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is located to the south of the village of Lonzat, about 1.5 km from the village of Marcenat, accessible by the departmental road D 142. This neogothic castle is composed of a basement, three floors and a level of attic, all surrounded by a vast park.
The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century, when a first building was attested on this site. It was later enlarged or rebuilt in the 15th century. The present version of the castle, of neo-Gothic style, is built by the Count of Arfeuilles on the ruins of the old castle. This monument also marked recent history, serving as a summer residence for Philippe Pétain in 1944.
The castle of Lonzat illustrates the architectural and historical evolution of the castles in Bourbonnais, moving from a medieval fortress to a neo-Gothic residence. His occupation during the Second World War added a particular historical dimension, reflecting the political upheavals of that time in France.
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