Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of La Grillère, located in Glénat in the Cantal, finds its origins in the 14th century in the form of a medieval fortress. The first document mentioning it dates back to 1329: it then describes a building composed of a large tower surrounded by crenellated buildings with mâchicoulis, girded with ditches. This ensemble, called "superior castle", originally belonged to Durand de Montal, lord of Laroquebrou, who paid tribute to it in 1251 to the Count of Rodez. The fortress played a strategic role in defending the Viscount of Carlat, as evidenced by its military occupation in 1562 by a garrison placed by M. de Brezons, governor of Aurillac.

In the 17th century, the castle underwent a major transformation under the impetus of the family of Beauclair, lords of Messac, who had the present building rebuilt from 1650, the former falling into ruins. The current mansion preserves two square towers from the 14th to 15th centuries, remains of the original fortress, as well as a 17th century house body. Inside, a wooden staircase and a painted ceiling of the same period, decorated with decorative motifs, remain as evidence of this period. The castle, still regarded as an important defence point in 1650, was then owned by several lords contributing to its maintenance.

Ranked a historic monument in 1987 for its facades, roofs, staircase and painted ceiling, the castle of La Grillère has been preserved and renovated into guest rooms. Its history reflects the architectural and strategic evolutions of the region, moving from a medieval fortress to a seigneurial residence, before becoming a contemporary welcoming place. Successive families, such as the Grillère (mentioned in 1502 and 1632) or the Beauclairs, marked its evolution, while adapting the building to the needs of their time.

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