A brief of history...
History
The history of the Château de Codignat, overlooking the village of Bort-l’Étang at an altitude of 450 meters, begins as a protective tower for the lords of Ravel. It served to defend against enemies coming from the Dore valley and to oversee an important quarry of arkose, which was used for centuries to build castles, churches, and sarcophagi in the region.
1400
In the early 14th century, the Château took on a whole new dimension (four times its current size) and became the residence of a family of minor nobility, the De Codonhac. The Château then experienced its golden age. Due to erroneous transcriptions, the name Codonhac evolved into Codoignat, Codegnat, and eventually Codignat.
1754
In 1754, it became the property of the intendant of Auvergne, Charles Antoine Claude de Chazerat, Count of Lezoux, Lord of Bort and Codegnat. Then, Codignat faded into the shadows of time, abandoned and partially looted, its stones repurposed to enhance the local residences. All that remains is the current structure with its collapsed roofs.
1970
The interiors of the Château were completely renovated starting in the 1970s to become an exclusive Relais & Châteaux in 1975. The details and design have been crafted to enhance the unique features of the architecture over time.
Since 2024
Since 2024, the Château de Codignat has been part of the DIES group, a 100% Auvergnat company! Learn more about our group. The Château de Codignat, overlooking the village of Bort l’Etang at an altitude of 450m, was originally the protective tower of the lords of Ravel. It served to defend against enemies coming from the Dore valley and to oversee one of the most important quarries for the extraction of arkose, which for centuries was used to construct the castles, churches, and sarcophagi of the region.
A commitment to heritage preservation
Since its recent takeover, the Château de Codignat has been the focus of renewed attention, driven by a strong commitment: to preserve its historical soul while integrating it into the present day. Every decision made, every renovation undertaken, is rooted in a respect for the structure, the materials, and the natural environment that surrounds it. We firmly believe that heritage is not merely maintained through walls, but through a vision. Preserve, transmit, enhance: these are the three pillars that now guide the future of the Château de Codignat, ensuring that its story continues to unfold with rigor and passion.
