Kasteel van Portabéraud
http://www.chateaudeportaberaud.com

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Castle of Portabéraud otherwise known as "The Mercier Folly."

Originaly, two strongholds with defensive vocation were set up with a few arpents one of the other, intentionally to protect the fortifications from the royal abbey of Mozac: The Tower and Portabéraud.

Under the Lights, the artistic madnesses of an enlightened aristocrat : Gabriel Mercier (1716-1793)

“In the age of the Enlightenment, the artistic exentricities of an enlightened Auvergnat aristocrat : Gabriel Mercier (1716-1793) “
The history of this site begins with two defensive estates, located a few hundred yards apart, whose function was to protect the fortified royal
abbey of Mozac. These were La Tour and Portabéraud.

From 1615 onwards Portabéraud belonged to the Mercier family who were prosecutors at the crown court of Riom. Gabriel Mercier, the fifth
baron, inherited it in 1744 and went on to purchase the domain of La Tour in 1753. The two estates were thus reunited, making possible the
creation of the utopian “Mercier Folly” in the full spirit of the Age of Enlightenment.

Gabriel Mercier both commissioned and organised the works in the extended site and despite the ravages of time he has left us a wonderful
testimony to the arts of gracious living in an 18th century country retreat.

The “Mercier Folly” still echoes with the charm of its past history, so come quickly to fall under its spell!

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Periods and hours of admission:

Open evrery day except saturday from August 1th till September 30th
2h - 6h30 p.m.
By appointment from May 1st till August 1th.

Guided tour or free with a Guide map of the site, the gardens and the chapel.

Tarifs

Visit 3 €

Free under 12 years

Activities

Portabéraud alias La Folie Mercier opens its gate and you organize your private receptions like at home.