Léotoing Castle

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

The first fortification at this site was built in the 2nd part of the 11th century, after 1060, when the Lauthon family imposed their authority on many neighboring fiefs. The Lauthons were a younger branch of the Merœur family, At that time the castle consisted only of a motte, defended by a dry moat.

Around 1261 the primitive motte castle was leveled and rebuilt in stone atop a rock next to it, with a commanding view over the Alagnon valley and surroundings. That was the beginning of the castle that we see today. It was built by the Dauphin family, who were Counts of Clermont. Around 1365, during the Hundred Years War, the Dauphins strengthened their castle to deter English attacks.

Around 1420, the seigneury of Léotoing was split up and the cadets settled in Montgon Castle which became the main stronghold of the Léotoing-Montgon branch. Later during that century, probably after peace had returned to the area after the end of the Hundred Years' War, the castle was altered to make it a more comfortable residence.

In the 15th century, after it had passed to the Dukes of Orléans, the castle was neglected and fell to ruin. During the French Revolution, at the end of the 18th century, it was sold as national property and afterwards was used as a stone quarry by the locals.

When I visited Léotoing Castle it was freely accessible, although I had read before that only its exterior could be viewed. I consider myself lucky. A very nice ruin on a great location in a nice and quiet little village. You can easily see Torsiac Castle from here, down in the valley.

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