Lespinasse Castle

En un regard

Le château en bref

Lespinasse Castle, which the Mérimée database spells "l'Espinasse", is located in Saint-Beauzire, between Brioude and the Limagne plain. Tradition places it on the site of a former Gallo-Roman villa called Spinatia, which is said to have given the place its name. A fief of the lords of Lespinasse, who were linked to the Dauphins of Auvergne, the fortified residence combines a keep dating from 1358 and an eastern lodging from 1450, both enlarged in the 17th century. Several towers, corner watch-turrets and small defensive works make up its medieval silhouette. In 1793, the battlements were removed, as in many castles of the region. In the 20th century, part of the buildings was adapted to the needs of the farming operation. Listed as a monument historique since 24 April 1961, the castle is a privately owned property and a member of the Route des châteaux d'Auvergne. It can be visited in small guided groups and hosts exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances.