Castle of Pionsat
Pionsat

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Guided tour with exhibitions: painting, photography and craft workshops. This stately residence of major architectural interest in Auvergne consists of two imposing medieval and Renaissance buildings.
Booking is recommended.

Each main building of the Castle at Pionsat is subject to a protection classification.
Architecturally, the site of the Château de Pionsat is the most interesting in the whole of Auvergne because it bears witness to two ancient architectural styles: the Medieval and the Renaissance.
The original Pionsat stone castle was Built on Land where treasure was found, made up of some of the first Arvern coins, stamped with the effigy of Vercingétorix (king and chieften of the Arverni tribe) qnd inhabited by the Romans as mentioned in the “Histoire des Francs” of Grégoire de Tours. This first Pionsat stone castle was built around 1345 by Guy Aubert, nephew of Pope Innocent VI. Built at the start of the Hundred Years' War, on the border between the English Kingdoms (present-day Aquitaine) and France, the first building has all the defensive characteristics of a full castle:
In 1482, the Chazeron family became the new owner of the premises. Then came the time for the Renaissance in a territory not very inclined to modern impulses. The medieval building nevertheless becomes a comfortable place of residence. Then a new castle, in a triumphant Renaissance style, is built. Few Renaissance castles were built in Auvergne and many have been transformed.
In Pionsat, this new building is created in large proportions and, for the Renaissance part, with an original style of decoration including "the vermiculated boss" of which Pionsat holds "the exclusivity" for Auvergne and perhaps beyond. You can also observe mullions across the windows and interesting pediments.
In 1604, the property entered the De Chabanne family until the Revolution.
Shared and sold in the 19th century, it was not until the end of the 20th century that the most beautiful buildings would benefit from renovation and protection work. The medieval part is listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historical Monuments and the Renaissance part is now classified as a Historic Monument.
The town of Pionsat is the current owner of the Renaissance section, and is pursuing studies and investments for cultural preservation and tourist promotion of this castle which is a great witness to the daring of the men of Combrailles, as well as an architectural jewel of Auvergne.
Partner of the Historic Route of the Château d'Auvergne.

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