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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The armorial terminals of La Bourboule, located in Puy-de-Dôme in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, form a rare set of five carved stones dating from the 13th century. They materialized the border between the Dauphiné d'Auvergne – a territory under royal influence, as evidenced by the flowers of lilies – and the seigneury of La Tour d'Auvergne, whose family coat of arms adorn the other side. Their current provision still follows this old delimitation, although political entities have evolved towards modern denominations.

The triangular pillar, the oldest (before the 15th century according to the shape of its ecu), marked a crossroads of three jurisdictions. His three fleurs de lilies, arranged around a stylized tower, probably symbolized an alliance or shared suzerainety. The other four posts, rectangular and aligned, systematically carry the opposite arms of the Dauphiné and the house of La Tour, highlighting their role as territorial marker. Their base in "top of reverse accolade" constitutes an architectural detail characteristic of the medieval era.

Classified historical monuments by decree of 30 May 1984, these pillars illustrate feudal tensions and balances in Auvergne. Their preservation offers a tangible testimony of the local political divisions, where royal power – represented by Capetian lilies – and seigneurial autonomy intersect. Their rarity and state of conservation make it an emblematic heritage to understand the spatial organization of the Middle Ages in this region.

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