First written entry 1275 (≈ 1275)
Document attesting the existence of the medieval castle.
XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles
Reconstruction of the castle
Reconstruction of the castle XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles (≈ 1850)
Adoption of a rustic medieval style.
18 novembre 2002
Registration for Historic Monuments
Registration for Historic Monuments 18 novembre 2002 (≈ 2002)
Total protection of the castle and decorations.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The castle in its entirety, including its interior decorations: kitchens, staircase, vaulted cabinet adorned with painted scenes, large room, living room, rooms with their murmur fireplaces, alcoves and painted ceiling, as well as the commons and enclosed garden (cad. A 51-54): registration by order of 18 November 2002
Key figures
Odilon de Mercoeur - Bishop of Mende
Initiator of the fortification on the 13th.
Aldebert de Peyre - Local Lord
Mentioned in an exchange in 1301.
Béraud X de Mercoeur - Feudal Lord
Involved in a trade in 1301.
Origin and history
The Château de la Beaume, first mentioned in 1275, is part of a fortification policy led by Odilon de Mercoeur, bishop of Mende, to protect the road to Santiago de Compostela and the episcopal lands. Originally, it had a dual defensive and surveillance function, as evidenced by the remains of a round path. Built of granite, it could house a hundred people, reflecting its strategic importance in the Middle Ages.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle was completely rebuilt in a rustic medieval style, while integrating refined decorative elements. The carved frame of the entrance door is the most striking example. Inside, the decorations of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries – coated, woodwork and painted ceilings – illustrate the fascist of the noble residences of the Velay, in the castle its nickname 'Petit Versailles du Gévaudan'.
The castle, still private, has been open to the public for several decades and attracts up to 8,000 visitors annually. Accessible spaces include the exteriors, the ground floor with kitchen and vegetable garden, and the chapel decorated with frescoes. Since 2002, it has been included in the inventory of historic monuments, recognizing its exceptional heritage value. The present owners, the spouses Payen de la Garanderie, are carrying out restoration work to preserve this heritage.
The elements protected by the 2002 decree cover the entire castle, including its interior decorations (kitchens, staircase, painted vaulted room, rooms with fireplaces and alcoves), as well as the commons and the enclosed garden. This protection underlines the artistic and historical importance of the site, both for its architecture and for its interior features characteristic of the local aristocracy.
