Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Crozes, located in Sarrazac in the Lot, finds its origins in the 13th century with a strong house attested, then transformed into a castle in the last quarter of the 15th century by Étienne de Vieilleschièzes, seigneur du Bastit. The primitive house, partially preserved (pavillon à assassines), is completed by a hexagonal tower housing a spiral staircase. Moat, built in the 15th and 16th centuries, strengthened its defence. The estate, held in fief of the Viscounts of Turenne, passed in 1611 to the Marqueyssac, which retained it until 1813.

In the 18th century, the castle was modernized with the opening of large bays, rock decorations (woodworks, stuccos), and the addition of a round tower with mâchicoulis. Acquired in 1813 by François de Verninac, a relative of the prefect and diplomat Raymond de Verninac — the brother-in-law of the painter Eugène Delacroix — the castle welcomed him in 1820 and 1855. Delacroix stayed there for his recovery and painted views of the surroundings, including the castle of Turenne.

Around 1860, a neo-Gothic restoration completely transformed the building: redevelopment of interiors (walled dining room, wooded living room), construction of a model farm, and modification of facades. The medieval vestiges (douves, arquebusières) remain despite these changes. Ranked a historic monument in 1999, the castle remains a private property, witness to the architectural evolutions of the Quercy from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

The site preserves original defensive elements (polygonal tower, gunboats) and 18th and 19th century decorations. Its history reflects local noble alliances (Veilleschièzes, Marqueyssac, Verninac) and its link with national figures such as Delacroix. The sources also mention its role in the Quercy heritage, studied by local historians (Didon, Pataki).

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