Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Longpra is an ancient 14th century fortress, deeply transformed in 1770, located in Saint-Geoire-en-Valdaine in the department of Isère. Originally, this typical Dauphiné building, built before 1300, had 378-metre moat and a drawbridge, of which remains remains remains. The present 17th century bridge replaces the old medieval structure.

In the 18th century, Pierre-Antoine de Longpra, adviser to the parliament of the Dauphiné, razed the strong house to erect a residence of pleasure according to the architectural canons of the time. This redesign reflects the sober and symmetrical style of the noble post-war houses of Religion, with clean facades and decorative frontons. Local artisans, including the Hache family, contribute to the work, notably by carrying out the public prosecutor's office signed by their name.

Since 1536, the castle belongs to the Franclieu family, which now manages and opens it to the public. The estate also houses a museum dedicated to 18th and 19th century carpentry tools, used for interior decorations by the Grenoblian cabinetmakers Hache. A didactic film presents the operation of a guillocher tower, illustrating the craft techniques of the period.

Ranked a historic monument in 1997, the castle includes in its protection terraces, moats, court of honor, communes and park. These elements testify to its architectural evolution, from its medieval defensive function to its aristocratic residence role, marking the local history of the Dauphiné.

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