Fortified castle from the 15th-15th century, transformed into a residence from the end of the 17th century, restored. To discover, in addition to the history of the place: kitchens, bakery, the noble floor and other rooms depending on the occupation, ending with the park, the ice house and the pond.
The Château de Vachères, a historic monument listed in the Heritage Inventory (MHI), is located on the left bank of the Gervanne, in the town of Montclar sur Gervanne. It was erected in the 15th and 16th centuries, as a feudal defensive element, based on a 13th century keep. The castle is presented as a quadrilateral flanked by four towers, surrounding a large square main courtyard. The Grammonts, lords of Vachères, gradually transformed the building into a residential home. Raised to the marquisate by Louis During the Revolution, the castle and its vast agricultural estate were purchased by the Labretonnière family, from Crest, who kept it until 1948.
The visit allows you to see the evolution, according to needs, tastes and fashions, of the building over nearly half a millennium. To see in particular the kitchens, the bakery, the large living room, the dining room, the monumental staircase. You can also walk in the park where there is an old ice house transformed into a kiosk near a large pond which probably served as a fishmonger.
For fans of military history, numerous defensive devices such as gunboats, loopholes, archers, bear witness to the territorial and religious conflicts that occurred in the region over the centuries.
Despite numerous transformations, the history of the building can easily be read over nearly 600 years during the visit.
The castle, being occupied by the owners, cannot be entirely visited. The guided visit lasts approximately one hour.
