Château de Montfand

English translation

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History

Built in the Romanesque period, partially rebuilt in the 15th century, remodelled in the 17th and 18th centuries, the château brings together the different styles that succeeded one another in Bourbonnais. The château rises on a site which was perhaps once devoted to Celtic gods, "fanu" meaning "consecrated place". Tradition held that a staircase, descending from the well, now disappeared, to a stream, was built by druids and that this stream was a Gallic deity. The entrance to the château was defended by two towers, the walls were furnished with battlements, but the military aspect of the building has been effaced. Only the residential buildings have been preserved. Three blocks of buildings are arranged around an interior courtyard. The former keep is extended by a wing remodelled in the 18th century. In the wing parallel to it is found the Romanesque kitchen. The keep is accessible by a round arch door flanked by two pilasters supporting an entablature formed of two moulded cornices framing a plain frieze, which may date from the 16th or 17th century. Presence of cellars dating from the 11th century, remains of the primitive château razed following unknown events and probably replaced in the 15th century by the current château.