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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Merle Castle, also known as Chaule Castle, is a medieval building located in the commune of Saint-Constant-Fournoulès, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it stands on a hill overlooking a valley in the hamlet of Chaule. This castle, whose ruins include three towers, courtesies and a partially demolished square dungeon, bears witness to the defensive architecture of the period.

Mentioned from the 14th century, the castle was initially a fief of the Merle family, before passing into the hands of the Breuil family in the 15th century. In 1614 he was partially demolished and briefly occupied in 1617 during local unrest by the lords of Merle, before being taken over by order of M. de Noailles. The site then changed owners among various noble families, such as the Lauzeral de Breuil and the Garard de Montarnal.

The current remains include a round tower with the first steps of a destroyed screw staircase, a vaulted room in a cradle inside the enclosure, and a platform to the northwest, probably the location of the former lowyard. The castle has been listed as historic monuments since 13 March 1964, recognizing its heritage importance.

The site illustrates the evolution of medieval fortifications in Auvergne, while reflecting local conflicts and property changes among the regional aristocracy. Its present state allows us to study the construction techniques and spatial organization of the castles of this period.

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