Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Selves, located in the hamlet of La Vinzelle on the present municipality of Conques-en-Rouergue (formerly Grand-Vabre), is a 16th and 17th century building, typical of the defensive architecture rouergate. Its square plan, flanked by mâchicoulis dangle towers, reflects its late medieval origin, while its chapel (1625) and 18th-century interior decorations illustrate its subsequent transformations. The estate includes agricultural outbuildings such as a barn barn and a chestnut dryer (sécadou), which witness local rural activities.

Mentioned for the first time in 1522, the castle belonged initially to the families of Gausserand and then of Selves, before passing to Cambefort and Trédolat by successive alliances. In the 20th century, it was acquired by Julien Poujade (1913) and has since remained in his descendants. Ranked a historic monument in 1992, it preserves rare elements such as a ceiling painted in the chapel, 18th century panelling, and a remarkable structure.

The site embodies the evolution of a ruergate seigneury, where residential, defensive and agricultural functions are mixed. Its classification protects the castral ensemble (logis, chapel, barn and dryer), highlighting its heritage importance in Aveyron. The sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum) confirm its role in local history, although the details of its daily use or interior arrangements remain partial.

The exact location (GPS coordinates: 5231 Selves) and its administrative address (Hameau de la Vinzelle) are documented in the Merimée database, associated with the commune of Conques-en-Rouergue (Insee code 12076). The castle, although protected, does not reveal in the available sources its current status of opening to the public or private use (residence, rental, visits).

External links