Dominating the middle Cèze valley, Allègre castle was first mentioned in 1163, when the lords of Ferreyroles paid homage to Bernard Pelet, lord of Alès. In 1209, the Count of Toulouse acknowledged that he held the castrum in fief from the Bishop of Uzès, a fact confirmed by King Philippe Auguste in 1211. Medieval society, very advanced in Languedoc, gave the same rights to boys and girls, which explains the evolution of the castrum into a coseignory. While this was not uncommon in the region, it took on a special dimension in Allègre, where there were no fewer than 12 seigniorial houses, making the place a veritable Village de Chevaliers.
The estate was home to the region's most illustrious knightly families.
The site, unique in the Gard department, covers an area of one and a half hectares, and features a master tower, several towers and manor houses, a chapel, a double enclosure and a village.
Despite its current state of ruin, the dwellings boast a number of remarkable features, including round-arched doors and windows, cupboards, niches, staircases, loopholes, arrow slits, hoarding holes and superimposed intramural latrines.
Every year, the château d'Allègre association organizes a medieval festival where volunteers bring the atmosphere of the Middle Ages to life.
For an afternoon, professional and amateur actors bring to life lords, ladies and gentlemen, clerics and peasants in the various residences on the estate. Then, under the stars, a banquet and concert bring the day to a close. This convivial festival is organized in association with volunteers from local châteaux (Bouquet, Montalet).
This costume party takes place in summer, traditionally on the 3rd Saturday in July.
Information from :
Tourist Office
30500 Allègre-les-Fumades
Tel.: 04 66 24 80 24
Association Château d'Allègre
Mairie d'Allègre-les-Fumades
30500 Allègre-les-Fumades
http://chateaudallegre.e-monsite.com
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