Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Vogüé, founded in the 12th century by Raymond I of Vogüé, was originally a square fortress built thanks to the revenue of the toll on the Ardèche. This strategic site, occupied in 1084 by the lords of Vogüe, became a symbol of local power. In the 14th century, the property passed to La Gorce, then was rebuilt in the 15th century by the Rochemure du Besset, which added four round towers, transforming the building into a residence more adapted to its time.

In 1603 the Marquis Melchior I de Vogüé, the large baili du Vivarais, bought the castle and the remodelling in the Renaissance style, creating a garden suspended above the filled moats. The 17th century marked a relative decline: Charles de Vogüé preferred to settle at the castle of Aubenas, allowing Vogüé to deteriorate. The French Revolution aggravates its state: burned and ransacked, it was sold as national property before being bought in 1839 by Léonce de Vogüé, who restored it and installed there a school run by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Aubenas until 1960.

Since 1971, the castle, still owned by the family of Vogüé, is open to the public and hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art (painting, sculpture, photography) as well as the collection of the engraver Jean Chièze (1898–1975). Partially classified as historical monuments in 1969 for its facades and roofs, it preserves remarkable elements such as a 17th century salon, the Vivarais State Hall, and a chapel decorated with modern stained glass windows signed Alfred Manessier (1980) and historical pieces such as a bas-relief of the twelve Apostles (XVI century).

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