La Roche Aigueperse Castle

La Roche Aigueperse Castle, locally known as Château de La Roche Aigueperse or simply Château de La Roche, lies south of the village of Chaptuzat, in the Puy-de-Dôme department in France.

The first structure at this site was a 11/12th century watchtower which served as an outpost of Montpensier Castle, which was situated nearby. The castle was built between 1250 and 1270 by the Lords of Montpensier, probably incorporating the earlier tower. The castle served to control access to the Limagne plain. 

During the Hundred Years' War, in 1359, the castle was taken by the English. They occupied it until 1375 when they were driven out after a siege with bombards by French troops. Afterwards the castle was returned to the Lords of Montpensier. Then the castle lost its military purpose as the region was pacified.

In the 15th century the castle was erected as a fiefdom for Louis de Bosderon, chamberlain of the Duke of Berry. Also lodging was built to transform the castle from a simple military edifice to a stately home. Later that century it went to Jean de l'Hospital, adviser to Charles de Bourbon, Count of Montpensier.

In the beginning of the 16th century, Jean's son Michel de l'Hopital, a future French statesman and Constable of France, was born here. After Michel had inherited La Roche Aigueperse Castle he transformed it; building a second wall with 2 towers and a gate on the castle's south side. The castle stayed in the hands of his family until the 18th century. From then on the castle went through the hands of several families through inheritance. At present it is owned by the descendants of the Marquis de Torcy-Rosey.

At present La Roche Aigueperse Castle is private property and can not be visited. Its exterior however is easily to be seen from the road leading up to it.

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