Pesteil Castle

The Château de Pesteil: A Majestic Testimony of the Medieval Past

The Château de Pesteil, built in the 13th century, rises majestically at 750 meters above sea level, offering a breathtaking view of the Cère valley. Perched on its steep rock, it has survived the centuries, transforming and enriching itself over time, especially in the early seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. This former fortress of Polminhac, now a must-see place in the region, has seen its architecture evolve, while retaining traces of its medieval past and priceless treasures, as well as medieval cobblestones, sandstone walls, and half-timbered houses typical of the villages of France and picturesque towns that testify to its historical built past.

The Keep: Testimony of the Medieval Past, Hidden Treasures, and Sandstones

Among the remains of the Middle Ages, the keep remains the most imposing element of the fortress. This rectangular tower of forty meters high has five floors served by a spiral staircase housed in the thickness of the wall. On the second floor, the vaulted room reveals 15th-century wall paintings illustrating important scenes of antiquity. On the north wall, the "four heroes of antiquity" are depicted, while on the west wall, "the master and his pupil" appear in precious frescoes. A restoration carried out in 2006 has given back to this set all its harmony, awarded in 2007 by the "Sotheby’s Prize".

The Salons and the Evolution of the Castle

In the 17th century, the fortress of Pesteil was gradually transformed into a residence for pleasure. Past wars and religious struggles, living rooms and bedrooms became more refined, decorated with beautiful ceilings painted in rich and shimmering colors. However, it was not until the end of the 19th century that the castle took on the appearance we know today, with tapestries, paintings, furniture, and treasures that add to the elegance of the whole.

The Kitchens: A Remarkable Place

One of the most spectacular places in the castle is its kitchens. Dating from 1900, they were designed with a focus on functionality and modernity. The Marquis of Miramon paid particular attention to their construction, endowing them with many elements typically Auvergne such as the «cantou», the salt chests, and the souillardes. The importance of cooking in this home is reflected in the period’s culinary objects, such as the charcoal stove, copper cookware, and cake and sorbet moulds. Restored in 2002, the kitchens received the CORNU award for best renovation of a kitchen in a historic home.