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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Château de la Cour-en-Chapeau is a building located in the commune of Chapeau, in the department of Allier, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Its origins date back to the 15th century, with major changes in the 4th quarter of the 16th century and subsequent changes in the 17th and 19th centuries. The castle is distinguished by its two-coloured brick architecture (black and red), organized around a quadrilateral flanked by circular towers, and includes a French-style garden as well as an entrance courtyard framed by communes.

In 1462 the fief was acquired by Hugues de Buyat, who began the construction of the castle on two contiguous mots, separated by ditches in the form of 8. One of the mounds supported the seigneurial dwelling, while the other housed the outbuildings. This defensive device, typical of medieval times, evolved into a more residential structure in the following centuries, as evidenced by the bodies of perpendicular houses and characteristic brick decorations.

Ranked a historic monument by decree of 4 October 1972, the castle of the Cour-en-Chapeau illustrates the architectural evolution of noble houses, from a defensive vocation to a more aesthetic and residential role. The facades and roofs, including the poterne and the commons, are protected for their heritage value. The brick construction, with its diamond and chevron motifs, reflects the artistic techniques and tastes of the 15th and 16th centuries, while integrating classic 17th century landscape developments.

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