Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Longpra finds its origins in the 13th century as a strong house, type of construction typical of the Dauphiné before 1300. From this medieval period, the 378-metre moat and remains of the old drawbridge remain, replaced in the 17th century by a fixed bridge. These defensive elements recall its initial role as a fortified residence, characteristic of feudal tensions of the time.

In the 18th century, Pierre-Antoine de Longpra, adviser to the Parliament of Dauphiné, undertook a total reconstruction of the castle between 1770 and the end of the century. The objective is to transform the former fortress into a pleasant residence, reflecting the aristocratic tastes of the time. The symmetrical facades, stripped of superfluous ornaments, embody the new postwar architectural style of Religion, favoring balance and sobriety.

The renovation involves local artisans, including the Hache family, renowned Grenobese cabinetmakers, who carry out the castle's parquet floors. This work also marks the integration of the home into its environment, with the creation of terraces, a park and a large access avenue. Since 1536, the estate belongs to the Franclieu family, which now manages and opens it to the public.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1997, the castle also houses a museum dedicated to 18th and 19th century carpentry tools, used for interior decorations. This museum showcases the know-how of artisans, such as the Hache, through demonstrations and tool collections (guges, wood scissors). The site thus retains the memory of both noble architecture and local craftsmanship.

The history of the castle reflects the social and architectural evolutions of the Dauphiné: from a medieval defensive function to a role of representation under the Old Regime, before becoming a preserved cultural heritage. The moat, the 17th century bridge and interior decorations of the 18th century coexist today, offering a stratified testimony of seven centuries of history.

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