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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Ferme Boudoul is an emblematic rural construction located in Cayres, in the Haute-Loire department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Mainly erected at the end of the 17th century and at the beginning of the 18th century, it is based on an earlier older structure. This monument perfectly illustrates the traditional architecture of the southwestern plateaus of Velay, characterized by the use of local volcanic stone. Its spatial organization, preserved since its origin, reflects the agricultural and domestic practices of the time.

The initial core of the farm consists of a square building to the west. In the 17th century, a large building serving as a barn and barn was added, followed in 1686 by an extension on the west side. In the 18th century, another building body was added symmetrically to the east, completing the whole. The courtyard, surrounded by a wall, incorporates an oven at its southeast angle. Access to the barn, located on the first floor, is via a straight staircase leading to a narrow door, while the main entrance, at the back, is marked by a large gate.

The east wing, dated 1686, once housed a remarkable 17th century decoration: a wooden ceiling painted with floral motifs, now extinct. This detail highlights the care given to certain interior spaces, despite the agricultural vocation of the place. The farm, representative of the velayen rural habitat, was listed as historic monuments by order of 10 September 1990, thereby recognizing its heritage and architectural value.

The volcanic stone construction, a typical material of the region, and the layout of buildings around a central courtyard reflect a functional organization adapted to agricultural and family needs. The Boudoul farm bears witness to local construction techniques and the evolution of rural practices between the 17th and 18th centuries, while preserving traces of its history through its successive extensions.

Its inscription as a historical monument in 1990 aims to preserve this rare example of intact rural architecture, providing valuable insight into peasant life in the Velay before the industrial revolution. The sources, such as Robert Chamonard's work on the agrarian structures of Western Velay, underline its importance in understanding the spatial and social organization of the farms of the time.

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