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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The château d'Avrilly is an old fortified house built in the 15th century, profoundly renovated in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Located on the town of Trevol in the Allier, it is a typical example of medieval Bourbonese architecture, with defensive elements such as scauguettes and a mâchicoulis dungeon. The estate spans 100 hectares, blending an English-style park with a French-style garden, and includes imposing communes.

Originally, the castle served as a residence for treasurers of the Dukes of Bourbon, although it was often mistakenly associated with Anne de France as a hunting lodge. The Duke of Bourbon authorized his treasurer to build a strong house surrounded by ditches. The west façade, demolished in the 19th century, was replaced by a reconstruction doubling the surface of the castle, which now has 75 rooms.

A tragic event marked the history of the estate: on September 25, 1909, the military airship The Republic, built in 1908, crashed near the entrance, causing the death of the four crew members. A memorial, carved by Henri Bouchard, was erected in Trevol. The castle, classified as a historical monument in 2021, preserves medieval remains such as a vaulted tower of warheads and obliterated coat of arms.

The east façade, dated from the 15th century, is flanked by scauguettes and a dungeon decorated with lintel mâchicoulis in a braid. The northern tower, also medieval, features buttresses surmounted by bell towers and a statue niche. Access to the floors was once via a spiral staircase, while the ground floor was vaulted. These elements illustrate Bourbon's defensive style, before subsequent transformations.

Future

The castle, private property, is open to visit in summer season. It also welcomes you for stays in guest rooms. The castle also offers rental spaces to organize events and weddings.

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