Comblat-le-Château, Historic castle in Vic-sur-Cère, France.
This medieval fortress features a 15th-century keep modified in the 16th century, complemented by an elegant 18th-century south wing displaying classical architectural elements including monumental fireplaces, wood paneling, and decorative painted trumeau panels throughout its interior rooms.
Originally built on the site of an ancient fort called Valleyranne, the castle was reconstructed in 1439 by Bernard d'Armagnac after receiving permission to build a new fortress, with a chapel added to the second floor in 1513 during the Renaissance period.
The castle represents the evolution of French noble residences from medieval defensive structures to Renaissance residential architecture, showcasing the artistic tastes and social changes of aristocratic families like the Cabanes de Comblat and La Carrière dynasties across several centuries.
The monument is protected under French heritage law since 2002, encompassing the entire castle structure, its decorated interiors, dependencies including the chapel and garden pavilion, plus the landscaped grounds with terraces, basin, and fountains for preservation purposes.
The property currently houses an agricultural college within the historic castle walls, creating an unusual combination of medieval architecture serving modern educational purposes while maintaining its protected heritage status and original decorative elements.
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