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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de Boulogne, founded in the 11th–12th centuries, is an ancient castle located in the commune of Saint-Michel-de-Boulogne, in Ardèche. Originally composed of a square dungeon and a chapel, it was reinforced in the 14th century by three round towers and courtines. This monument, one of the twelve baronies of Vivarais, was acquired in 1384 by Raoul de L'Estrange, close to the royal court, who modernized it with a family heritage. The fortress became a Renaissance residence around 1510 under the impulse of Marie de Langeac, wife of the Baron, who added architectural elements like a portal with torso columns decorated with his carved head.

In the 17th century, the castle was linked to the wars of Religion after the marriage of Baron of L'Estrange to Paule de Chambaud, Baroness of Privas, culminating in the siege of Privas in 1629 by Louis XIII. Intact until the Revolution, it was then dismantled stone by stone. The ruins, well preserved, include medieval and reborn remains, such as the Guards Hall or the large terrace bridge. Ranked a historic monument in 1915, the site is regularly consolidated to preserve its heritage.

The castle illustrates the architectural and political evolution of Vivarais, moving from a feudal fortress to an aristocratic home. Its history reflects noble alliances, religious conflicts and the influence of royal courts on the provinces. The remains, dominated by the round towers and the Renaissance castle, bear witness to this dual identity, between military defense and residential prestige. Today, the site offers a panorama of local history, from the medieval period to the Renaissance, including the unrest of the religious wars.

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