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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Montferrand, built in the 12th century on a limestone spur 400 meters above sea level, belonged to the Counts of Melgueil. Located in the commune of Saint-Mathieu-de-Trisevers (Hérault), it dominates the village and the surrounding garrigue. Its access, formerly reserved for pedestrians via the GR 60, is now banned for safety reasons (risks of collapse), and the site has been closed since 2018.

Originally, the site was a Roman stronghold, mentioned for the first time in the early 12th century. The Count of Toulouse Alphonse Jourdain claimed his rights over Montferrand and part of Melgueil County (eastern Herault). In 1132, the castle was confirmed as property of the Counts of Melgueil. During the Albigeian Crusade (1215), he was confiscated to Raymond VI of Toulouse by the pope, then attributed to the bishop of Maguelone, who accumulated spiritual and temporal powers, beating even his own currency (the last melgorian).

In the 16th century, the castle became an issue of the Wars of Religion. The Protestants took it in 1574, before Antoine de Cambous took it back for Catholics in 1584. He had it modified according to the Renaissance cannons. In the following century Bishop Pierre de Fenouillet strengthened his defences in 1611 (cut out of the rock, first enclosure) to resist artillery. Despite the unsuccessful siege of the Protestants in 1622, the castle was gradually abandoned after 1659.

In the 18th century, under Louis XIV, Colbert de Croissy obtained permission to dismantle the castle (from 1709), but transport difficulties limited destruction. The stones were offered as compensation to those who agreed to participate in its demolition. In the 21st century, the community of communes of the Grand Pic Saint-Loup became its owner in 2009 and in 2017 launched a safeguard project, including the consolidation of the walls and the security of the site, now inaccessible to the public.

Ranked historic monument by decree of 25 March 2024 (after a first inscription in 2022), the castle is the subject of a partnership with the DRAC for its preservation. The current project aims to stabilize the ruins, partially rehabilitate the walls (including the chapel) and create contemporary reception spaces, without identical reconstruction. The aim is to reconcile heritage conservation and tourism development, while ensuring the safety of visitors.

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