Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Neureux Castle, located in Lurcy-Lévis in the Allier department, is the oldest building in the municipality. Built in the early 14th century, it was originally owned by the family of Aubigny, which kept it until the 17th century. Its original architecture includes four round towers on the façade, two of which have been damaged, as well as cellars and commons still intact. The castle was deeply transformed in the 18th century after a fire in 1789, and its facades reflect a neo-classical style with symmetrical openings and adorned skylights.

In 1751 the castle was confiscated by King Louis XV and became a residence for finance officers. He changed his hands several times, notably in 1783, when André de Sinety acquired his land of Levis. In the 19th century, he passed into the hands of notable figures such as Louise Cordelia Greffulhe, wife of Marshal Boniface de Castellane, and later of banker Isaac Thuret, whose descendants still retained part of the estate. The castle suffered a major fire in 2015, destroying its roof and part of its structure, before being bought by the family of cyclist Eddy Planckaert.

In the 21st century, Neureux Castle was restored and used as a setting for Dutch-speaking television series, featuring the Planckaert family during its renovation. Its 50-hectare estate, including a pond, meadows and wood, makes it a historic and picturesque site. Despite the fires and changes of owners, there remains a major architectural testimony of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, mixing medieval heritage and modern transformations.

External links