Haute Loire
Esplantas
Castle
Auvergne
The Esplantas castle
Odilon de Mercoeur who was a bishop in Mende from 1247 to 1274 ordered the building of Esplantas Castle in order to protect his southem Saugues possessions. He chose a strategic location on the top of a granite hill overlooking the Seuge river basin.
The dendochronological analysis of an oak beam in the cylinder-shaped dungeon testifies that it was built in 1252 and thus derived from the main towers erected under the reign of Philippe Auguste.
The polygon-shaped dwelling which includes the dungeon was modified in the 16th and in the 17th centuries. The whole castle was highly restored. Saved from ruins, it is now open to visitors. Situated at 6 kms far from the south of Saugues (Haute-Loire) on the Grandricu road.
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Periods
and hours of admission:
You
can visit the dungeon and part of the dwelling from July l0th to August 3lth Everyday
from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm.
Off
season, guided visits of the whole castle are available.
Pleasecontact: 04
71 77 19 70 or 04 71 77 3119
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Visiting fee:
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Information about the castle:
Château
d'Esplantas
43170 Esplantas
Tél.
04 71 77 19 70 or
04 71 77 3119
GPS - waypoint:
N
44 54 32.5 E 3 32 49.1
lat="44.909028" lon="3.546972"