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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Segange Castle, located in Avermes in the Allier department (region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), is an emblematic building of the 15th and 16th centuries. Its south-east facade, adorned with a high slate roof and a corbelled tower with a chapel, illustrates the Renaissance style. The estate also includes a remarkable dovecote, while remains of the 15th century, such as the commons and a stair turret, remain within the later buildings.

Built for Nicolas Petitdé, silversmith of John II, Duke of Bourbon, the castle welcomes in 1495 Anne of Brittany, then Queen of France. In the 17th century, it passed into the hands of Hyacinthe of Bianki, of Polish origin, then to the Broc family by marriage, which adopted the name of the Broc of Segange. During the Revolution, Guillaume Antoine du Broc de Segange died in prison in Moulins, and the castle was destroyed. His son, Jean Charles, emigrant and veteran of the Vendée wars, became mayor of Avermes in the early 19th century.

Subsequent generations, such as Louis (1808-1885) and Gaston (1847-1909) of the Broc de Segange, were distinguished by their work on the Nivernais and Bourbonnais. The tower, stairway and house of the castle have been listed as historical monuments since 6 September 1938. The entrance porch, once decorated with medallions, still bears the traces of revolutionary martelement.

The castle thus bears witness to five centuries of history, mixing Renaissance architecture, enlivened family destiny and local memory. Its protected elements, such as the chapel in the turret, make it a remarkable heritage of Bourbonnais.

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