Château de Lamothe en Haute-Loire

Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Lamothe came into being in the 14th century with the construction of a castle, the remains of which will form the basis for the 17th and 18th century works. These major transformations will give rise to the present building, marked by architecture adapted to classical times. The site, initially strategic, then evolves towards a seigneurial residence more in line with the canons of modern times.

Until the French Revolution, the castle changed hands several times, successively belonging to the Dauphins d'Auvergne, to the house of Polignac, then to the families of Montboissier-Beaufort-Canillac and Barentin. These noble lines, influential in Auvergne, exercise their local power and participate in regional political life. After 1789, the estate became communal property: a part was converted into a school and a presbytery, reflecting the social upheavals of the period.

Today, the castle of Lamothe is a private property, bearing witness to both its medieval past and its metamorphoses in the following centuries. Its history, documented by local researchers such as Francisque Micolon, sheds light on the evolution of elites and architectural heritage in Haute-Loire. The remains of the 14th century, still visible, recall its initial role as a fortress, while the classic additions illustrate the adaptation of nobles to new residential modes.

External links