Villemont Castle

Villemont Castle, locally known as Château de Villemont, lies north of the village of Vensat, in the Puy-de-Dôme department in France.

The first structure at this site was a fortified house built at the start of the 16th century. It depended on the County of Montpensier, then belonging to Charles III, Duke of Bourbon and Constable of France. It was confiscated around 1522 by Francis I of France. In 1566 it was visited by Charles IX of France, his mother Catherine de' Medici and Chancellor Michel de l'Hopital.

In 1557 the seigneury of Villemont was sold to Michel Veyny. The Veyny family then replaced the earlier structure with a new castle. Only the round tower on the east corner of the main building dates back to the earlier structure. During the next centuries the Veyny family prospered and by 1720 the seigneury of Villemont was raised to a marquisate.

In the mid-18th century the castle was rebuilt by Gilbert de Veyny into the castle we see today. During the Revolution and the beginning of the 19th century Gilbert's heirs fought over his inheritance. Meanwhile Villemont Castle was neglected and fell into dilapidation. In 1846 the judicial trials came to a conclusion and a restoration campaign was carried out during the 2nd half of the 19th century.

Although restored the castle was poorly maintained in the early 20th century until it was sold, by a direct descendant of the Veyny family, in 1958. A month after the sale however the castle was destroyed by a fire. It remained an abandoned ruin until 1995. From then until now the castle is slowly being restored.

At present Villemont Castle can freely be visited during daytime. Part of the outbuilding seems to be used for agricultural purposes. A very nice castle ruin.

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