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Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Peychelard is a medieval building whose remains stand on a rocky spur in Lamastre, Ardèche. Built in the 10th century by the lords of La Mastre, it occupied a strategic position to monitor the Doux, Grozon and Condoy valleys. This fortified site reflected the importance of castles in the region to control communication routes and protect local territories.

Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times before being definitively abandoned in 1792, at the death of its last lord. His stones were then reused to build the lower town of Lamastre, marking the end of his defensive role. Today, there remain only ruins, witness to its medieval past and its integration into local history.

The architecture of the castle, although partially disappeared, illustrates the construction techniques of the period. Its location on a rocky spur underscores its role of surveillance and protection, typical of ardèche castles. These remains provide an overview of feudal organization and territorial dynamics that have shaped the region for centuries.

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