Château de Lépaud dans la Creuse

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Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Lépaud, located on Rue des Chaumes in the eponymous commune of the Creuse department, was mentioned in 1171 as a property of Hugo de Chambon. The latter resided there and freed the inhabitants of the town, marking its local influence. The present building, rebuilt in 1847, preserves elements of the 15th century, including a carved chimney decorated with the Bourbon-Montpensier shield, attesting to its link with this ducal line.

Before the Revolution, the castle belonged to the Duke of Montpensier, and was the place of exile of Mademoiselle de Montpensier in November 1662, because of his role during the Fronde. The current architecture, a square massif of brick and blue granite, is punctuated with four round towers. The south façade, about 20 metres long, and the round dungeon adjacent to the northwest of the house reflect the successive changes of the site.

The 15th century fireplace, a major piece of the castle, illustrates the craft of the period by its detailed sculptures. The Bourbon-Montpensier shield recalls the historical importance of the family, while the current structure, mixing medieval styles and 19th century reconstruction, bears witness to the architectural and political developments of the region.

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