Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Thome, located in the department of Ardèche, finds its origins in a castrum mentioned in 1374. This fortified site, linked to the seigneury of the De Vesc, was partially dismantled in the 17th century due to the involvement of Claude de Hautefort de Lestrange, an ally of Montmorency, in a rebellion against royal power. The remains of this medieval era, like a cellar and a fireplace, still remain in the present structure.

In the 17th century, restoration work was undertaken after the damage suffered during the dismantling. Then, at the end of the 18th century, the castle underwent a complete interior redevelopment, including wallpapers in the living room on the first floor and studded decors in the bedrooms. These transformations reflect the architectural evolution of the house, moving from a medieval fortress to a more comfortable residence, adapted to the standards of the time.

The castle has a typical rectangular plan, flanked by two towers to the east and an extension to the west, with an interior staircase serving three levels. Among the remarkable elements are a vaulted vestibule and medieval remains on the ground floor. In 2006, the raised ground floor lounge was included in the inventory of historic monuments, recognizing its heritage value. However, the monument suffered damage during the earthquake of November 11, 2019.

Today, the castle of Saint-Thome belongs to a private company. Although its access to the public is not clearly defined (visits, room rentals or guest rooms), it remains a major architectural testimony of the Ardèche, mixing medieval heritage and transformations of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

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