When was the château built?

Construction began in 1462 under Hugues de Buyat, who had acquired the fief that year.

What makes this château visually distinctive?

Its two-tone brick decoration features black lozenges and chevrons set against a red brick background, characteristic fifteenth-century ornamentation.

How was the château organized across the two mounds?

One mound held the main residence with its perpendicular ranges; the other contained the service buildings. They were isolated by figure-eight-shaped moats.

Château de la Cour

Chapeau

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

Where: Chapeau

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

Château de la Cour-en-Chapeau stands in Chapeau (Allier), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century, fourth quarter of the 16th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Built from 1462 by Hugues de Buyat in Allier, the Château de la Cour-en-Chapeau rises on two adjoining mounds featuring a residence with perpendicular ranges. The compound, reinforced by circular towers at each corner, stands out for its two-tone brick decoration: black lozenges and chevrons set against red brick, typical of the fifteenth century. Its outbuildings and entrance courtyard share the same defensive corner towers, with a formal garden extending to the southeast.

What to know

The château has been listed as a historical monument since 1972, with protection extending to its façades, roofs, and all outbuildings.
The two original mounds were separated by figure-eight-shaped moats, a rare arrangement that divided the residence from the service buildings.

Where this château is

Chapeau · Allier · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château de la Cour-en-Chapeau

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

03340 Chapeau

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directions View on a map

4.7 / 5from 23 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00093037
Period of construction: 15th century, fourth quarter of the 16th century

Frequently asked

When was the château built?: Construction began in 1462 under Hugues de Buyat, who had acquired the fief that year.
What makes this château visually distinctive?: Its two-tone brick decoration features black lozenges and chevrons set against a red brick background, characteristic fifteenth-century ornamentation.
How was the château organized across the two mounds?: One mound held the main residence with its perpendicular ranges; the other contained the service buildings. They were isolated by figure-eight-shaped moats.