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Origin and history

The castle of the Boy, located in Lanuéjols en Lozère (former Gevaudan), finds its origins in the 14th century as a farmhouse called mas del Boy (linked to the term "bouvier"). In 1307, the Tournel family, local barons, transferred their residence from the Tournel castle for more comfort. The site was fortified in 1369 in front of the roadmen's threats, then damaged and restored in the 15th century, becoming the official seat of the barony after 1445.

In the 18th century, the castle was modernized by Pierre-Charles de Molette de Morangiès, Marquis and distinguished military (bataille de Fontenoy, 1745). After successive post-Revolution sales, it was transformed into a children's shelter during the Second World War, then into a preventorium (1951) and finally into an addictology care centre. Its architecture combines medieval elements (tours, Gothic bays) and Renaissance additions (internal galleries, west facade).

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1943 for its facades and roofs, the castle preserves 14th century remains (douves, foundations on stilts) and traces of the Wars of Religion (partial demolitions in the 16th century). Its isolated park and agricultural buildings (grange-stable, 18th century residence) testify to its evolution, between seigneurial residence, farm and medical establishment. The dispersal of furniture (carried, golden lounge sold in the United States) and successive transformations reflect its turbulent history.

The Barony of the Tournel, on which the Boy depended, was one of the eight baronies of the Gevaudan, with lands extending over the Lot Valley and the Valdonrez. The castle was also a place of care during the plague epidemic of 1721. After 1805, he passed into the hands of local noble families (Châteauneuf-Randon, Eymard de Jabrun) before being assigned in 1920 to Senator Louis Bringer, who entrusted him to the Sisters of Providence for charitable works.

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