Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Villaret Castle, located in Allenc in Lozère, is an ancient feudal castle probably dating back to the 12th century. He then belonged to the Barons of the Tournel, one of the eight baronies of Gevaudan. At the end of the 12th century, its owner asked the bishop of Mende to erect a chapel in the enclosure, justifying this request by the distance from the parish church. This site is also the birthplace of two major figures of the Order of Hospitallers: Guillaume de Villaret, 24th Grand Master, and his nephew Foulques de Villaret, his successor.

In the 16th century, the castle changed hands several times. In 1561 John II, the last heir of the ruined Villaret, sold it to Jean Leblanc, king judge of Nîmes and Beaucaire. Shortly thereafter, the Wars of Religion ravaged much of the fortress. The tower, the only remaining vestige, was acquired in 1875 by the Reversat family, then bought in 1973 by the descendants of Villaret. Ranked a historic monument in 1979, in 1993 it became the heart of a theme park, hosting annual exhibitions.

Architecturally, the tower preserves traces of its medieval past, such as steep niches and a defensive apparatus. A 16th century Renaissance door, decorated with ionic pilasters and a triangular pediment, bears witness to subsequent developments. Inside, five levels distribute rooms to monumental chimneys and remains of paintings. The top floor, occupied by a dovecote, also reveals traces of an earlier construction. Today a private property, the tower combines history and culture within a preserved estate.

Future

Today, there is only one tower in the centre of the Villaret Valley Nature Park, where it hosts various exhibitions.

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