A cultural heritage , a witness to our shared history
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In the heart of Creuse, Pontarion Castle continues to watch over the Thaurion Valley. A listed Historic Monument since 1941 , it embodies, beyond its simple stone silhouette, a collective heritage, the legacy of the entire national community.
This centuries-old site, which has survived centuries and upheavals, is fully integrated into the country's history and local memory. It is not just the castle of a family, nor even of a commune: it is one of the fragments of France's heritage that we today have the responsibility to preserve.
A tragedy that moved people far beyond the castle walls.
On March 9, 2023, the town of Pontarion was hit by a tornado of rare intensity. With winds reaching 220 km/h, this exceptional phenomenon devastated the region and caused significant material damage.
Pontarion Castle, a testament to five centuries of history, saw its roof ripped open, its 15th-century timber framing weakened, and its surroundings devastated. A rapid response from residents, emergency services, local businesses, and heritage institutions was organized to secure the site and limit further damage.
The event sparked strong emotion in the regional and national press. Numerous articles, official letters, and testimonials served as a reminder of how important this castle is to the Creuse landscape and to our French heritage.
You can view press clippings and messages of support received since the tornado here:
Madam, Sir,
I was born a long time ago, and since my stone age, I have progressed to the age of social media and easy, fast, but not always effective communication. I was recently informed of your interest in our Heritage and its wonders. Without going that far, I am still a French Historic Monument and therefore benefit from respectful attention.
Since the 15th century, I admit to having lived good times, often peaceful, sometimes lively. Humans gave me life but did not always take care of my health, which was surprisingly fragile given my solid and somewhat austere appearance. I am not jealous of my flamboyant friends. They have their weaknesses too; some even have their facades spruced up.
A fortified castle at my birth, I have lost some of my power over the past 500 years, but it is rumored that I have some "beautiful remains" of which I am very proud. At the edge of a ford, then a bridge that saw pedestrians, carts, plows, and many animals pass by, I now see all kinds of vehicles. People frequently stop to look at me, contemplate me, admire me, take my picture, or sketch me. Their often admiring glances touch me deeply. Nature, which warms me in its summer months, also has its flaws and sometimes a cruel lack of respect.
In 2023, a terrible gale caused a lot of damage in my village, fortunately without injuring my dear villagers. Most of them were able to repair their homes. This tornado took off half of my roof and severely shook my frame, the wood of which was exactly the same as when I was born.
Visitors, passersby, and friends know that I have a real headache... And it worries me so much. I feel old, I feel dizzy about what would have to be done to give me back the tone that once characterised me.
I need you.
Because I need a roof over my head.
Yours faithfully.
Château de Pontarion
A structured and ambitious restoration project
Since the disaster, a major architectural diagnosis has been carried out under the aegis of the DLAA.ARCHI Agency and the DRAC Limoges, accompanied by the Roussy-Avignon company.
Among the scheduled interventions:
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Complete reconstruction of the flat tile roof
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Restoration of the medieval framework
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Securing floors, watchtower and perimeter walls
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Enhancement of the site and restoration of its missing elements
This project, which falls within the framework of Historic Monument protection, requires significant funding, which calls for the mobilisation of all lovers of French heritage.
The words of the professionals will come during the work in 2026.
Project manager: Christophe GILLET, Heritage Architect
Our Shared Heritage
Pontarion Castle is not just a stone ruin. It is a living witness to our shared history, a legacy passed down from generation to generation, and a precious landmark for collective memory.
Today, it is up to all of us to ensure that it can continue to exist and inspire, for centuries to come.
Learn more about the current call for donations and sponsorship.
A word from the owner
Since time immemorial, man has created, preserved, and strived to transmit. Naturally genetic, his battle has extended to his works, his monuments, and his cultures. We then speak of Heritage.
“Heritage is the legacy of the past that we enjoy today and pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are two irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.” (UNESCO, 2008).
Owning a part of this heritage is a heavy task, particularly that of maintaining its integrity over time.
Friends, if you are sensitive to heritage you will certainly understand these words of the owner-manager of the Historic Monument located near a ford which he was guarding: The Château de Pontarion.
This castle, which came into my family "through a passion for stones" in 1936, was saved from very probable demolition by my great-uncle André Roussel Le Roy.
All documents point to its inexorable demise, which began with the collapse of its three fortified towers. At the beginning of the 20th century, a large building, still visible on postcards, collapsed due to neglect.
In contrast to the lack of interest or capacity to preserve this heritage integrity, the Château de Pontarion had the extraordinary luck to find itself with a builder in 1936.
I am his descendant and, in his spirit, I have tried to maintain, to the best of my ability, in conjunction with those of enthusiasts and sometimes the State, the majesty and solidity of the Château. Fifteen minutes were enough for that tornado of March 9, 2023, to shake and weaken its beautiful framework, which our ancestors had erected in the 15th century, 30 meters high, using beams, tenons, mortises, and pegs.
As a friend of heritage, it is my duty to inform you that you have the freedom to express your support and provide significant assistance to the restoration work that needs to be undertaken to ensure its sustainability.
You are free to look, admire, sketch with pen or brush this small piece of our immense heritage and then move on.
You can also take advantage of tax relief on a portion of your taxes and direct it towards a project you would like to support.
Your active support will demonstrate how much you value heritage.
The Castle needs you.
Owner-Manager
Régis Darricau
“A castle never entirely belongs to those who inhabit it, but to those who came before them and to those it inspires.”
