Parentignat Castle

Built between 1707 and 1720 by François, Marquis de Lastic, captain of the Roy-Infanterie regiment, on the foundations of an old fortified house, the Château de Parentignat still belongs to the same family.

Its English-style park, overlooked by a terrace bordered by century-old orange trees and old rose bushes, contrasts sharply with the formality of the main courtyard, where the six original lawns and the lime tree-lined avenue planted in line with the château have been recreated.

Already noted in the 18th century as one of the most richly furnished residences in the province, it was dubbed "the little Versailles of Auvergne" by Henri Pourrat, a famous local storyteller and writer. Completely untouched by the French Revolution, much of its original furniture remains.

Each generation has continually enriched the exceptional art collection of the Château de Parentignat. Paintings, sculptures, furniture, and tapestries are represented by the greatest artists of their time, including Nicolas de Largillierre, Carl Van Loo, Hyacinthe Rigaud, Madame Vigée Lebrun, Claude Lorrain, Coysevox, and Pujet.

Requiring significant restoration work, the number of rooms open to the public expands every year. Visitors can discover the magnificent suite of reception rooms on the ground floor, the grand dining room, the remarkable library, the grand staircase, the ballrooms and theater on the first floor, and the state bedrooms.