Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of the Vergier came into being in the 16th century, when the lords of the Verger, the local noble family, began to build a large rectangular house with a stair tower. This first, modest building marks the beginning of a history linked to regional aristocracy. The estate then moved to the family of Tournon by marriage, sealing its destiny for the following centuries.

In the 17th century, François-Christophe de Tournon-Meyres and his wife moved to the castle in 1630 and made major changes, including the construction of the chapel of the Cross of the Verger in the courtyard. This work reflects the growing influence of the family and its roots in the region. In 1746 Jacques de Tournon added the name Simiane to his surname, creating the branch of Tournon-Simiane, which perpetuates the lineage linked to the castle.

The 19th century marks a new phase of transformation under the impulse of Just-Hippolyte de Tournon-Simiane. In 1830, he had the north façade rebuilt, the one-storey building raised and mâchicoulis added, while the tower was crenelated and a terrace erected in 1859. These changes give the castle its present appearance, mixing defensive and residential styles. The family of Chabannes-La Palice, inherited by marriage, retained the estate until 1994, thus closing centuries of aristocratic possession.

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