Domeyrat Castle

Domeyrat Castle, locally known as Château de Domeyrat, lies in the village of the same name, in the Haute-Loire department in France.

Domeyrat Castle was built by the Papabeuf family on a promontory above a village centered around a bridge over the Senouire. It was first mentioned in the mid-13th century but was most probably built during the 12th century. The Papabeuf's owned the castle until 1348 when they suddenly died out.

During the rest of the Hundred Years' War several owners followed and the castle was probably damaged and subsequently abandoned. In 1421 the seigneury of Domeyrat was inherited by Jean de Langheac, Seneschal of Auvergne. He rebuilt Domeyrat Castle between 1431 and 1435. The Langeacs owned the castle until 1619 when the last descendant, Françoise de Langheac, died. It then passed to the family of her husband; the Rochefoucaulds.

In 1656 the Rochefoucauld family sold the castle due to debts. Several owners followed each other but the castle gradually fell into disrepair and was finally abandoned in 1789. During the French Revolution the castle was sold and finally dismantled in 1794 and turned into a stone quarry for the locals.

The castle was built as a rectangular keep with an inner courtyard and circular corner towers. It was circled by an outer rampart, also with circular towers, but this has largely disappeared. 

At present Domeyrat Castle can be visited for a fee. A great castle ruin in a sleepy village.

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