Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Château des Quayres, located in the commune of Laps in Puy-de-Dôme (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), has its origins in the 14th century. Its name derives from the term occitan cayrou, meaning "stone". On the eve of the French Revolution in 1789, the estate was acquired by Antoinette Tinseau, widow of François de Murat, marking a pivotal period in his history. Although the park terraces, built in the 18th century, are the most emblematic element of the site, the castle itself retains traces of its medieval past.

The park terraces, numbering five, are organized into successive stages exploiting the natural slope of the land. Each has a central basin fed by a hydraulic system creating water jets, while retaining walls structure the lower levels, once planted with vines. These landscape developments, classified as historical monuments on 23 April 1932, illustrate the influence of French-style gardens in the region. The estate extends over about 50 hectares, between the streams of Laps and Pignols, tributaries of Allier.

During the Second World War (1939-1945), the castle played a protective role in welcoming part of the collections of the Strasbourg National and University Library, sheltered in the Puy-de-Dôme. This period is also documented by photographs of the site. After the war, the estate became a children's home, now welcoming minors who enjoyed its exceptional setting. The castle remains a testimony to both medieval defensive architecture and 18th century garden art.

Located between the D229 and D116 departmental roads, near Vic-le-Comte, the Quayres Castle stands on a promenence offering views of the surrounding valleys. Its exact address, 850 Rue des Quayres, and its Insee code (63188) confirm its anchoring in the Puy-de-Dôme heritage. The protected elements are limited to the park terraces, defined by precise topographical criteria, while the rest of the estate retains a social and educational vocation.

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