Initial construction XIVe–XVe siècles (≈ 1550)
Fief and medieval family castle.
XVIIe siècle
Major adjustments
Major adjustments XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Chapel, staircase, roof and decor.
1774
Pastoral visit
Pastoral visit 1774 (≈ 1774)
Mention of the southeast chapel.
2006
Registration MH
Registration MH 2006 (≈ 2006)
Total protection of the site.
XXe siècle (2e moitié)
Modern restoration
Modern restoration XXe siècle (2e moitié) (≈ 2007)
East body reconstruction.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The castle in its entirety, including moats and interiors with their decorations (Box ZH 16): inscription by order of 28 December 2006
Key figures
Famille de Mascon - Medieval owner
Fief du Cheix in the 14th–15th centuries.
Martin de Vos - Flemish painter
Inspiration of allegorical paintings.
Origin and history
Cheix Castle, located in Neuville in Puy-de-Dôme, is a monument whose medieval structure dates back to the 14th or 15th centuries. It consists of four corner towers connected by house bodies arranged around an inner courtyard, typical of the castles of this time. The moats, still visible to the west as a piece of water, suggest an initial defensive device probably surrounded by water. This fief, known from the 14th century as Cheix, belonged to the family of Mascon, although the archives do not specify the exact circumstances of its construction.
In the 17th century, the castle underwent major renovations, partially transforming its military vocation into a residential home. The modifications included the creation of a rotating staircase, the addition of openings, and the renovation of the roof, as well as the development of a chapel in the southeast corner, attested during a pastoral visit in 1774. The interior decorations, such as the solif ceilings, the paintings, or the 18th century Rocaille lounge, reflect this evolution towards comfort. A painted ensemble of the south gallery is inspired by engravings of the Flemish Martin de Vos, illustrating moral and religious allegories (vices and virtues).
The French Revolution miraculously spared the four towers, feudal symbols often targeted, but the castle was then abandoned, falling into ruins in the 20th century. Its recent restoration has made it possible to completely rebuild the East building, using local use materials (andesite of Clermont-Ferrand and its surroundings). The adjoining farm, located south of the driveway, could date back to the seventeenth century, although its history remains less documented. The site, registered with the Historic Monuments in 2006, now includes moats, interiors and their decorations.
Among the outstanding architectural elements are a full-circle cradle vault in the west room and the stables, a roof in the pavilion on the southeast tower, and a spiral staircase in the southeast corner of the courtyard. An angled andesite tube, fitted in plume in the northwest corner, bears witness to the technical know-how of the time. These details, combined with successive transformations, make Cheix Castle a representative example of the evolution of medieval fortresses into aristocratic residences under the Old Regime.
