Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Picomtal, located in the commune of Crots (Hautes-Alpes), finds its origins in the 13th century with the construction of a first stone dungeon by the lords of Embrun, replacing a wooden structure. This strategic site, linked to the archbishops of Embrun, attracts a garrison and promotes the emergence of the village of Crots around the fortress. In the 14th century, three additional towers were erected, forming a square castle typical of Provencal feudal architecture.

In the 16th century, Martin de la Villette, heir to the Embrun, doubled the size of the castle in 1507. The estate was damaged in 1692 by the Duke of Savoy's troops, and then changed hands several times: Rame's family, Abbé de Ravel, and Joseph Cellon, a bourgeois, in 1769. The French Revolution marked a turning point with its acquisition in 1792 by Jean-François Cressy, former royal baili d'Embrun.

The 19th century saw Joseph Roman buy the castle in 1876 through a public auction. He undertook major renovations, adding interior decorations and a chapel dedicated to Saint Louis, decorated with frescoes signed by Isabelle Reynaud (1892). The stained glass windows, adorned with lily flowers, reflect the monarchist influence of the time. In 1989, the castle, its terrace and garden were classified as Historic Monuments.

An exceptional discovery took place during the renovations of 1999-2003: the writings of Joachim Martin, carpenter of the village. In 1880, this last grave on floor slats 72 texts describing the rural life of Crots, hidden under the floors. Rediscovered in 2000, these documents inspire a historical spectacle and a book, The Floor of Joachim (2017), by historian Jacques-Olivier Boudon. The garden, renovated since 2001 by Loïc Pianfetti, is awarded the 2015 National Garden Award.

Today, the castle combines accommodation (guest rooms), reception rooms and heritage, with a contemporary garden inspired by the provençal models of the eighteenth century. Joachim Martin's writings, a unique testimony of the rural society of the late 19th century, are highlighted through thematic visits.

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