Château de Montgilbert

The origins of Château de Montgilbert date back to approximately 1259, when the Saint-Gérand family had the castle built on what was then the border between Auvergne and the regions of Forez and Bourbonnais. Around 1280, ownership passed to the wealthy Aycelin family, who were later ennobled. Through marriage, the castle subsequently came into the possession of the de Vienne family. During the Hundred Years' War, Montgilbert was occupied from 1434 to 1439 by the Spanish mercenary Rodrigue de Villandrando, who served the Duke of Bourbon. During this period, the fortifications were adapted to modern weaponry. In the Renaissance, the castle lost its importance as a residence for the de Saulx-Tavannes family. In the 17th century, under Louis XIV, its decline began as the owners lived at the court in Paris. Around 1770, the last heir, Jean Baptiste Bravard d’Eyssat Duprat, returned with his mother, who deliberately accelerated the castle's decay to force her son to leave. The French Revolution sealed the castle's fate in 1793, when it became state property and was sold. In the 19th century, it served as a quarry for local farmers. Since 1973, an association has been dedicated to the preservation and renovation of the ruin.

The castle ruin of Montgilbert is located in the municipality of Ferrières-sur-Sichon in the Allier department, Auvergne region, France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 559 meters above sea level.

Visitors can today explore the ruins of Château de Montgilbert and discover the remains of this once-mighty fortress. The site offers an insight into medieval construction methods and their subsequent adaptations.

• Château de Chappes (castle), approx. 2.0 km away
• Château de Ferrières (château), approx. 2.3 km away
• Château de Busset (château), approx. 9.1 km away
• Château de Chaussins (castle), approx. 13.0 km away