Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of the Oradou was built at the beginning of the seventeenth century for Gérard Champfour, adviser to the Court of Aids of Clermont. This estate, chosen by the Marshal of Effiat to accommodate Richelieu in 1629, was renowned for its aquatic gardens, described in 1665 by Fléchier as a place of "basins, waterfalls and caves" animated by the waters of the Tiretaine. His nymph, still visible, contained ingenious water games, including a statue of Diane veiled by liquid nets.

In 1869, the castle was acquired by naturalist Henri Lecoq, whose collections founded the Lecoq Museum in Clermont. In the 20th century, the domain became a major Scouting place: in 1940, the Oradou Charter was signed there by six Scouting movements, unifying their principles. Requisitioned in 1943 for military barracks, it previously housed a working-class city linked to Michelin and a scout land.

Despite its history, the castle was demolished in 1985 by National Education to build Lucie Aubrac College. Today there is only a farm, a 19th century Italian villa and the nymph, a witness to the old resurgences of 20 litres/second.

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