Anjony Castle
Château d’Anjony a rich historic and cultural heritage from the Middle Ages
The Château d’Anjony, built in 1430 on a small rocky spur, overlooks the village of Tournemire from its 40m high towers. It was built in its magnificent setting by Louis d’Anjony, a companion of Joan of Arc, on the orders of King Charles VII to keep order in Haute-Auvergne and subdue the brigands and mercenaries who were running wild in the region. It is comprised of a square keep flanked by four slim towers. Its willowy silhouette is reminiscent of the Château de Vincennes and gives a very military aspect to this 15th century construction. All the rooms are richly decorated with frescoes and have furniture dating from t various periods of the castle’s history.
The Château d’Anjony is a flawless example of the small mountain fortresses of the 15th century. The estate, which has been handed down from father to son since its beginnings, is a lively place. In fact it has been inhabited by the same family since it was built and has been open to the public for the past 80 years. It houses a rich historic and cultural heritage which will enchant history enthusiasts, and especially those interested in the Middle Ages.
Inside, the keep has a single, vast, richly decorated room on each floor. Each of the towers contains a small room, one of which has a staircase leading to all parts of the building. Each room in the keep is decorated with 16th century frescoes influenced by Italian Renaissance style of theatrical scenes featuring historic or religious figures.
The walls of the Salle des Preux are covered with a fresco inspired by chivalric literature. It features nine knights on horseback : three Christians, three Jews and three Ancient heroes, including the Emperor Charlemagne, King Arthur, King David and Alexander the Great.
The chapel, which is much smaller, is also adorned with beautiful frescoes depicting the Passion of Christ. each of the pictures showing a scene from the life of Christ is extremely detailed.
Not just a building – the Château d’Anjony has also had a turbulent history !
In the past the little village of Tournemire used to have two castles. One belonged to the Tournemire family and the other to the Anjony family. There was fierce rivalry between the two families for two centuries. A war broke out between the two, punctuated by murders and duels… until love came calling. The two clans were joined in marriage and the old quarrels finally laid to rest.
Today the little village of Tournemire, one of the « Loveliest Villages in France », is dominated by the slender silhouette of its only castle, the Château d’Anjony, in a magnificent natural setting which was used as the backdrop for the « Village maudit » episode of the series « Les Brigades du Tigre ».
To learn more of the history of Tournemire, Château d’Anjony and the Anjony family, choose a stay in Gîtes de France accommodation and explore the beautiful countryside of the Gorges de la Jordanne.
A guided circuit lasting approximately one hour enables you to visit the castle
From February vacations to March 31st, and from October 1st to November 14th :
- Visits at 2.15, 3.30 and 4.45 PM
From April 1st to June 30th, and the whole month of September :
- Visits at 2.15, 3.30, 4.45 and 6 PM
From July 1st to August 31st, visiting hours are :
- at 10.45 AM and 12 PM (except on Sundays) on reservation
- from 2 PM to 6.15 PM without reservation
For further information please ring 04.71.47.61.67.
