Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Montfleury, located in Laps in the Puy-de-Dôme, was built in the 16th century and then profoundly redesigned in the 18th century. Its L-shaped architecture, with two round towers at the ends and a square turret housing the staircase, reflects the southern influences that marked the Auvergne at that time. The interiors preserve vaulted rooms on the ground floor, an imposing fireplace in the north wing, as well as French ceilings, rustic Louis XV style windows and fireplaces upstairs.

The castle was built for the son of François de la Guesle, baili and governor of Auvergne County, also hotel master of Catherine de Medici. This relationship with the Royal Court underscores the political and social importance of the owner family. The protected elements, excluding farm buildings, were listed in the Historic Monuments by order of 6 December 1977, thereby recognizing its heritage value.

The architecture of the castle illustrates the transition between the defensive styles of the Renaissance and the ornamental influences of the eighteenth century, typical of the aristocratic residences of the region. The interior decorations, in particular the panel and ceilings, bear witness to a refinement characteristic of the Louis XV era, adapted to the auvergnat rural context. The location in Laps, in a department marked by volcanic and medieval heritage, adds to its historical and tourist interest.

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