Pesteils Castle

Pesteils Castle, locally known as Château de Pesteils, lies above the village of Polminhac, in the Cantal department in France.

The first fortification at this site, a height at the feet of the Cantal mountains, overlooking the village of Polminhac and the valley of the Cère river, was mentioned in the 13th century. In the 2nd half of the 14th century, during the Hundred Years' War, the present 40 meters high square keep was built by Jean de Foulhols. 

The castle was taken in 1414 by Renaud de Murat but later returned to the Foulhols family. After 1418 the keep was altered by Rigaud de Montamat. Also during the 15th century the main building was built in front of the medieval keep. This was probably after peace returned to the region after the end of the Hundred Years' War.

Through marriage the castle passed to the Pesteils family, who also were lords of Branzac. It passed to the Cassagnes de Beaufort de Miramon family in 1608, again through marriage. Their descendants still own the castle to this day.

The castle was rebuilt in the 2nd half of the 17th century. Another rebuilding, at the end of the 19th century gave the castle its present appearance.

At present Pesteils Castle can be visited for a fee. A very nice castle, also because you can roam its interior without a guide.

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