Castle of La Chèze

Beschrijving

From the mountain castle to the bourgeois residence:
Built in the thirteenth century on a dominant strategic position, the castle of La Chèze will not stop being enlarged and modified over the centuries.
During the wars of religion, he aroused the covetousness of Catholics and Huguenots who took turns to control and monitor the city of Cheylard. Abandoned after the revolution, it was sold in 1862 to a notable who transformed it into a comfortable pleasure residence.
On 6 July 1944, for having welcomed the maquis, it was tragically set on fire by German troops. Left in a state of ruin, it will be admirably rebuilt from 1989 to 2018 by the volunteers of the ASPB Association, supported and helped by the municipality and many partners.

The castle is a harmonious blend of military and civil architecture that traces eight centuries of history. Archers of the 13th century gunboats of the 16th, windows with crossed and curved, fireplaces, barrel vaults or ridges... make it a real small illustrated dictionary. Through historical and thematic reconstructions, you will discover, over the fourteen rooms, all the living spaces (kitchen, pantry, bathroom, bedrooms, guard room, cabinet of curiosities...) necessary for life in a castle between the end of the Middleage and the beginning of the Renaissance.

The castle is surrounded by a park with free access where you can stroll in the Renaissance garden, enjoy a magnificent view of the city and admire the imposing giant sequoias or the majestic cedar of the Atlas.

- Free visits: with a visit booklet given free of charge at reception. Throughout the visit, you will find many explanatory and thematic panels (Fr) about life in the past.
- Guided tours
- Old games (from 5 years): Have a fun and friendly time with family or friends, thanks to the many games available in the castle.
- The treasure of Mustella and the Dracoulli (from 3 years old): Help Mustella and the Dracoulli to find the gold coins that were scattered in the rooms of the castle by Mallicou, the mischievous elf.
- Investigation at the castle (from 7 years old): A robbery was committed at the castle last night. Lead the investigation and collect clues throughout the rooms to discover who is the thief among the suspects arrested by the guards.
- Lady Clauda’s wardrobe (from 5 years old): Have fun trying on medieval and Renaissance outfits.
- The life of a soldier: coat of mail or breastplate, helmets..., choose the equipment that will make you a real soldier ready to defend the castle. Comfortable benches will then wait for the warriors to rest.
- Game night in summer