The castle of Effiat is located in the eponymous town of Effiat, in the department of Puy-de-Dôme, 18 km south-west of Vichy.
It was erected in the 17th century on seigneurial land mentioned as early as 1120 and acquired in 1557 by the knight Gilbert Coiffier. His descendants played an important role during the Wars of Religion and encouraged the rallying of Auvergne to Henri III. This is how Antoine Coëffier de Ruzé d'Effiat, more simply known as Ruzé, became king's adviser in 1625, ambassador then Marshal of France in 1631. His domain of Effiat was in the meantime erected as a marquisate... why Ruzé considers it necessary to have a residential setting worthy of its status. He called upon the architects Lemercier (who worked at the Louvre) and Clément Métezeau (designer of the Place Ducale in Charleville).
Not only was a castle designed, but a whole new town project was sketched out with a church, a college and a hospital. His descendants, however, did not want to complete the plan to develop an entire city…
On the other hand, a famous military school was founded there in 1714, which closed its doors during the Revolution.
The entire estate was acquired in 1856 by the Moroges family.
Nowadays, if the castle has had its wings amputated, there remains a main building with the classic arrangement of three levels framed by projecting pavilions.
A garden with terraces completes the set.
Listed in the Inventory, the château, which is still privately owned, hosts private or professional receptions and cultural events throughout the year. The interiors, which have retained some of the Louis XIII furniture, are accessible to the public for guided tours. Open every day except Monday from the beginning of June to the beginning of October and from Thursday to Sunday the rest of the year. Price: 6 to 9 euros. Information on +33 6 08 26 98 23.
