Country France Department Cantal Time zone CET (UTC+1) Area 20.88 km² Population 305 (1999) | Region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Canton Vic-sur-Cère INSEE/Postal code 15028 / 15130 Local time Friday 11:34 AM Arrondissement Aurillac | |
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Weather 10°C, Wind SE at 37 km/h, 69% Humidity | ||
Carlat is a commune in the Cantal department in south-central France.
Map of 15130 Carlat, France
The "Rocher de Carlat" or rock of Carlat situated above the picturesque commune was once the site of one of the most powerful and impenetrable chateaux in all of France. It was the seat of Jacques d'Armagnac, Duke of Nemours and often the center of intrigue, resistance and rebellion against the kings of France. Completely razed by order of the king in 1604 to alleviate the inconvenience of rebellious and ambitious southern relatives, hardly a trace of the chateau remains. The site is now a park, open to visitors and commanding sweeping views of the Carlades.
The chateau appears in history as early as the year 839. The presence of Queen Margot, Marguerite de Valois, who sought refuge at Carlat from 30 September 1585 to 15 October 1586, lives on in local lore. Given the site's historic importance as a major fortress of Auvergne, a substantial archeological program is underway to rediscover its treasures.