Château de Bouzols représenté par Association “Bouzols forteresse d’avenir”

Description

The castle of Bouzols is among the most prestigious and oldest castles in the Velay region. Surrounded by gardens, terraces, outer walls, a chapel and outbuildings, it is today one of the major historical sites in the “pays d’art et d’histoire” (land of art and history), of the city of Le Puy-en-Velay and its agglomeration. This medieval architectural ensemble was acquired in 1808 by the Beaud de Brive family, who restored and saved it from ruin between the last quarter of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th century.
From the time of its initial construction in the 11th century until the French Revolution, the castle was the seat of one of the most important baronies in the Velay region. It was successively held by major feudal families: Mercoeur, Polignac, Turenne and La Tour d’Auvergne.
Its hidden feature lies in its defensive organization. The 13th-15th century keep stands right in the middle. It is mostly in ruins today. It is surrounded by the lower castle, built in the 13th century, then enlarged and modernized in the 16th-17th century. The keep is separated from the lower castle by an impressive passage cut in the volcanic rock.
Its state of ruins required the launching of a campaign of consolidation and restoration, carried out between 1880 and 1900, respecting the remaining structure and using the local stones.
For a more detailed history of the life of the fortress and its inhabitants or owners, one can refer to the article published in the historical bulletin of the academic society of Le Puy-en-Velay and the Haute-Loire of the year 2015 under the title: “Bouzols, eight centuries of history under the “Ancien Regime” : three periods from the year 1000 to the Revolution.”

Languages spoken

• English
• French

Themes

• Historic patrimony
• Religious heritage
• Fortified castle
• Ruins and remains
• Fresco/wall painting
• Chapel