Château du Thiolent stands in Vergezac, Haute-Loire, originating in the late Middle Ages as a simple Auvergne manor. First fortified in 1445 with a moat and strong house, it was replaced in the 17th century by an imposing castle with five towers and a crenellated dungeon. Between 1767 and 1770, architect Jean-Claude Portal undertook major renovations, filling the ditches, redesigning interiors, and creating a five-hectare parkland featuring great tree-lined avenues, a linden terrace with shaped candelabras, formal gardens, and a kitchen garden. Located about 20 minutes from Puy-en-Velay, the listed historic monument is privately owned and offers guided tours by appointment, showcasing centuries of Auvergne heritage through its architecture and landscaping.
