Estaing Castle from the 11th century to the present day
Classified as a Historic Monument since 1945, Estaing Castle has a remarkable history and architecture that we invite you to discover.
Located on a schist promontory overlooking the Lot, the castle was for nearly eight centuries the residence of the d’Estaing family, one of the most illustrious in Rouergue.
From the 11th to the 18th century, buildings have evolved by adapting to the needs and fashions of each generation: defensive cannons rub shoulders with decorative balusters decorated with the d’Estaing family coat of arms; the Romanesque, flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles share the facades.
Several members of the Estaing family, military or religious, appear in the history of France and that of Rouergue, among them:
- Tristan, hero of the battle of Bouvines, in 1214,
- Pierre, cardinal in the 14th century,
- François, bishop of Rodez in the 16th century,
- Charles-Henri, Admiral, commander of the French fleet sent to support the American War of Independence
In 1794, the building, confiscated and divided up, was sold by the State as national property.
From 1836, the castle became the mother house of the religious congregation of Saint-Joseph d’Estaing.
In 2000, the commune of Estaing buy the set.
In 2005, the SCI du château d’Estaing, formed by Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, President of the Republic from 1974 to 1981, acquired it.
In 2012, the castle became the property of the “Valéry Giscard d’Estaing Foundation”, recognized as being of public utility.
Since 2005, restoration work has been planned every year to restore the castle to its original appearance and make it a place of memories.
The work is carried out, both outside and inside the buildings, by local craftsmen attached to this particular building and who are keen to bring it back to life.
