Montjoly park and its château-mairie

To the south of Chamalières, Michel Girard de la Batisse, dean of the cathedral chapter, purchased the Montjoly estate, whose lands had belonged to the Gayte de Clermont family around 1550. Around 1755, he had a pleasure house built, surrounded by formal gardens. This classically-inspired residence features large arches on(…)

To the south of Chamalières, Michel Girard de la Batisse, dean of the cathedral chapter, purchased the Montjoly estate, whose lands had belonged to the Gayte de Clermont family around 1550. Around 1755, he had a pleasure house built, surrounded by formal gardens. This classically-inspired residence features large arches on the first floor opening onto a terrace overlooking the gardens, which are accessed by a monumental staircase with diverging and converging ascents. The château’s Mansard roof is covered in slate. Below, the horseshoe-shaped courtyard gave access to the stables. On the eve of the French Revolution, the heirs of Abbé Girard de la Batisse sold Château de Montjoly to François Grangier, captain of the Dragons.

The estate was put up for sale in 1955. Chamalières mayor Pierre Chatrousse bought the house and most of the park. The rest of the garden was subdivided and occupied by luxury apartment blocks and a school. Avenue de Montjoly is created at this time. The château became the seat of the new town hall in 1960, and the park was opened to the public. The 1939-45 war memorial was erected. Before becoming President of France, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing was Mayor of Chamalières from 1967 to 1974, and Minister of the Economy and Finance from 1969 to 1974.

Amenities : leisure areas for children, eco-botanical garden, wifi zone…