Crabillé Castle is located in the commune of Montgesty, in the Lot department, 20 km northwest of Cahors.
Located to the southwest of the village, now isolated, it was originally a hamlet in the center of an agricultural estate belonging to the Bonafous family, made up of rich farmers living off their land.
In 1784, Jean Bonafous (1757-1822) married Antoinette Murat, who was none other than the sister of Joachim Murat, also a native of Quercy, future brother-in-law of Napoleon, a great man of war (he was a marshal) and king of Naples. With this alliance, Jean de Bonafous became Murat's aide-de-camp then colonel and he was ennobled, presenting himself as knight Bonafous de Crabillé.
This social ascension encourages his wife to demolish the homes of the hamlet to build a castle which will welcome prestigious guests like Caroline Bonaparte and Lannes.
Abandoned upon the death of the spouses, the castle was left behind for a while then divided and part of it even became a simple tobacco shed.
Purchased in 1961, it was rebuilt and restored to its original appearance.
It thus takes the form of a dwelling with vaulted rooms with two wings forming a "U" plan. The triangular pediment of the entrance door and the straight lintels of the windows are characteristic of the Empire (or neo-classical) style. The facade opens onto a terrace which overlooks a garden which is accessed by a beautifully crafted staircase.
The estate listed in the Inventory includes outbuildings (oven, dovecote, sheepfold) and is reached via a tree-lined path (fir trees). Private property is not open to the public.
It can be observed during a walk in the green and hilly surroundings of this characterful village.
Information on +33 5 65 53 20 65.
