Aurouze Castle

Aurouze Castle, locally known as Château d'Aurouze, lies next to the village of the same name, in the Cantal department in France.

The first castle at this site, a promontory in the valley of the Alagnon, probably dated back to the 11th century. In 1278 it was owned by Itier de Rochefort, who was also Lord of Mardogne. His son Bertrand was owner around 1300. Bertrand engaged in looting and for this his castle was razed around 1307. Around 1309 he was rehabilitated and allowed by Philip IV of France to build a new castle. It was finished in 1320. This is the castle we see today.

In 1383, during the Hundred Years' War, Aurouze Castle was taken by Aymerigot Marchès, a mercenary in service of the English. He installed himself here and then terrorized the area for a couple of years.

Jean de Courcelles inherited the castle in 1414. His family rebuilt it around 1430, turning it into a more comfortable residence. During the rest of the 15th century it changed hands several times until 1493 when it went to the Bouillé du Charriol family through marriage. They kept the castle until 1613 when it fell into the hands of the La Vernède family.

During the French Revolution, at the end of the 18th century, Aurouze Castle was looted and burnt.

At present Aurouze Castle is freely accessible. A very nice castle ruin but be aware of the risk of falling masonry.

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