Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château de Viescamp is a fortified building located in the Authre Valley, on a rocky spur overlooking Lake Saint-Étienne-Cantalès, in the municipality of Lacapelle-Viescamp (Cantal). Its architecture combines a medieval 15th-century square dungeon, built on 13th-century bases, and an 18th-century house body with a Mansart roof. Some interior decorations, in troubadour style, date from the late 19th century. The castle was listed as a historical monument in 1994.

The history of the castle dates back at least to 1220, when the lord of the Suzerain Astorg VI d-Orlhac seized the castle occupied by Guillaume de Gosselin, before rendering it conditional on faith and homage. The seigneury then passed into the hands of the Gaucelin family, then of the Parlan family around 1350. In 1599 Antonie de Parlan, the Mademoiselle de Viescamp, married Jean de Lavalette, probably at the origin of the construction of the first castle. The seigneury changed hands several times, notably through matrimonial alliances with the families of La Valette-Parisot and La Panouse.

In the 18th century, the castle was enlarged with the addition of a house body, reflecting the evolution of aristocratic lifestyles. In 1753 Marianne de La Valette, the last heir, brought the estate to her husband, Théodore de Lasserre. During the Second World War, the castle was requisitioned and required restorations in 1944. Today, it retains protected elements, such as the large living room, dining room and medieval latrines.

External links