When was Verchères castle built?

This fortified residence dates from the second half of the fifteenth century, contemporary with the Wars of Religion in France.

What is the current use of the château?

Available information does not specify the current use or access to the building, now privately owned.

Why is the machicolation convex?

Its convex shape follows the circular outline of the staircase tower to which it is attached, creating an exceptional framing of the main entrance.

Château de Verchères

Verchères Castle

Grazac

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Grazac

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

château de Volhac (Volhac Castle)Accommodation on site29 km

Château de Verchères stands in Grazac (Haute-Loire), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: second half of the 15th century, first half of the 16th century). No visits are on record for this building.

Built in the second half of the fifteenth century, Verchères castle is a fortified residence of stone constructed around a square body. A circular staircase tower, built three-quarters projecting, flanks its south-west corner. The building retains its original façades, where several openings and an entrance door framed by a convex machicolation in overhang remain. Inside, a monumental fireplace on the first floor attests to the prestige of its successive owners.

What to know

The façades, roofing, and first-floor room with its monumental fireplace have been protected as historical monuments since 1989.
The château served successively as a primary school, girls' school and parish hall before its use as a holiday camp during the twentieth century.
The main architectural feature is the machicolation with convex walls attached to the staircase tower, a rare example of this defensive device at that time.

Where this château is

Grazac · Haute-Loire · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château de Verchères

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

43200 Grazac

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

Get directions View on a map

2.0 / 5from 1 Google reviews

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00092926
Period of construction: second half of the 15th century, first half of the 16th century

Frequently asked

When was Verchères castle built?: This fortified residence dates from the second half of the fifteenth century, contemporary with the Wars of Religion in France.
What is the current use of the château?: Available information does not specify the current use or access to the building, now privately owned.
Why is the machicolation convex?: Its convex shape follows the circular outline of the staircase tower to which it is attached, creating an exceptional framing of the main entrance.