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Origin and history

Châteaugay Castle, located in Puy-de-Dôme in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, is built from 1381 by Pierre II de Giac, Chancellor of Charles VII. It replaces an old strong house belonging to the Vigosche family, mentioned in 1270. This new castle, called Château-Gay, symbolizes the increasing autonomy of the seigneury, reinforced by the obtaining of the rights of high justice in 1379 and the creation of a market in 1384. Its initial architecture includes a central building flanked by watchtowers, typical of the fortifications of the era.

Around 1430, two round towers, the Fort and the Perrière, were added, completing the crenellated enclosure described in Guillaume Revel's Armorial in the 15th century. The castle is also marked by a family drama: Pierre II de Giac imprisons and poisons his wife Jeanne de Naillac, suspected of infidelity with Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, before rushing her from the leap of the Salient. Upon his death, the estate passed to his daughter Louise de Giac, who married Jacques de Laqueuille in 1480, marking the end of the permanent occupation of the seigneurs on the spot.

Over the centuries, the castle underwent changes, such as the filling of moat and the partial destruction of the enclosures in the 19th century. Despite demolition projects in 1828 to serve as a career, it was preserved and classified as a historical monument in 1911. The site remains a place of memory, especially for the meetings of 1789 between Lafayette and the Marquis de La Queuille, preparing the reforms of the General States. Today, he visits in summer and hosts temporary exhibitions.

The building retains remarkable medieval elements: a five-storey square dungeon, 15th century round towers, and a castral chapel integrated into the present church. The facades and crenelage, partially redone in the 16th century, illustrate the architectural evolutions between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The property, acquired by the municipality, perpetuates its role as a historical and tourist symbol for the region.

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