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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Chavagnac Castle, located in the Cantal, has its origins in the 15th century, after the destruction of an ancient episcopal dungeon in 1382. This dungeon, dependent on the bishop, had been taken and damaged by English mercenaries in 1357, during the unrest related to the Hundred Years' War. The present castle, built to replace this fortress, consists of a house body surrounded by four towers connected by a square bastion, reflecting the defensive needs of the era.

The monument has historically belonged to the family of Dienne, powerful seigneurial lineage of the region, vassal of the bishop for this land. After its reconstruction in the 15th century, the castle was restored in the 17th century (notably in 1646), then in the 19th century. These transformations illustrate its adaptation to times, from military to a more prominent residential role. The towers, once crenellated, were abrased and climbed after the French Revolution.

In 1991, the castle was listed as a historical monument, protecting remarkable elements such as the staircase with its gallery, panelled lounges, and 17th century rooms. The site also preserves traces of its medieval past, such as the remains of the episcopal dungeon, and is part of a landscape marked by the feudal history of the Cantal, between the influences of the bishopric and the local lords.

The village of Chavagnac, organized in an amphitheater around the castle, offers a view of the surrounding meadows. Its church, dedicated to Saint-Étienne, and elements such as the communal oven or the monument to the dead complete this heritage. The municipality, temporarily merged with Neussargues en Pinatelle between 2016 and 2024, became independent again in 2025, thus preserving its historical identity.

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