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Origin and history

The Château de Calberte, or Château Saint-Pierre, is a medieval building located in Saint-Germain-de-Calberte, Lozère, in the former province of Gevaudan. Built at 410 metres above sea level on a rocky hilltop, it overlooks the Gardon and is about 1 km northeast of the present village. Its strategic location makes it an important checkpoint in the Cevennes region.

The building of the castle would have begun in the 11th century, but it was in the 12th century that it grew under the possession of the lords of Anduze, Barons of Gates. The latter, allied to the Count of Toulouse, were confiscated by the King of France in 1229, at the end of the Albigois Crusade. The castle then became an issue between the bishop of Mende and the king, until an agreement in 1265, followed by an act of trimming in 1307, was definitively attributed to the crown. In 1320 Raymond de Cadoène bought it from the Barons of Portes, but the castle remained linked to the vicissitudes of this seigneury.

In the 14th century, the seigneury of Portes changed hands several times, especially between the families of Budos and Roger de Beaufort, because of their involvement in the Hundred Years War. The Budos, originally from Guyenne and supporters of the English, were confiscated in 1340 and returned in 1360 by the Treaty of Brétigny. There was then a private war between the two families until 1384, when Thibaud de Budos obtained definitive possession. The castle, like many in the region, is probably subject to road attacks during this period.

Abandoned at the beginning of the 15th century for unknown reasons, the castle fell into ruins, as did the medieval village which was attached to it, deserted between the end of the 13th and the middle of the 14th century. Its ruins served as refuge during the Wars of Religion and during the revolt of the squabblings. In the 20th century, it was known locally as St Peter's Castle, before being acquired in 1964 by the Darnas family, which began its restoration over nearly forty years.

The restoration, carried out by the Darnas family, is a titanic work done during the school holidays, despite difficult access and initial scepticism. The schistose stones fallen on site are reused, and each reconstruction is preceded by a careful study to respect the original architecture. Only the round tower, too damaged, is partially rebuilt with modern concessions such as cement use. The archaeological excavations, led by Isabelle Darnas, make it possible to understand the evolution of the castle and ensure a faithful restoration.

Today, Calberte Castle is almost completely restored. Open to the public in summer, it offers paid tours that finance its maintenance. An exhibition presents the restoration work and the results of the excavations. The owner, goldsmith-seller, also exhibited his creations. The site preserves the traces of a medieval village of a hundred inhabitants, organised around metallurgical activities, as evidenced by archaeological excavations.

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