We discovered the Cantal together and literally fell under the spell of its sumptuous, unspoilt landscapes. Today, our wish is to share our passion for the château and its magnificent department.
-Caroline Capossela
The Château de Longevergne is the sort of place one might expect to find after an hours-long trudge through fog and heathland in the Scottish Highlands. Dark and reposeful in appearance, it comes across as a the homely estate of a country laird who also moonlights as a gentleman scholar. Situated in the Anglards-de-Salers — a quiet town in the Cantal department of Auvergne — it features decorous furnishings, a sprawling garden, and an intimate guestroom, making it an ideal getaway for couples. To learn more about the Château de Longevergne, I spoke with its owners, Caroline Capossela and Virgile Jonard.
A. D. Manns: Why and when did you decide to acquire the Château de Longevergne? Are you originally from the Cantal area?
Caroline Capossela and Virgile Jonard: We have owned Château de Longevergne since the summer of 2022. We discovered it by chance in 2018. We fell head over heels in love with it, so much so that we left everything for it. Virgile is originally from Auvergne, not far from the Cantal. As for me, I come from the south-east of France, and we used to live together in Bordeaux, about a four-hour drive away. We discovered the Cantal together and literally fell under the spell of its sumptuous, unspoilt landscapes. Today, our wish is to share our passion for the château and its magnificent department.
AM: In your opinion, what is most unique or surprising about the castle?
CC & VJ: The first traces of the castle date back to 1228, and that alone seems incredible! Almost eight centuries of history! For many years, the castle was an annex of the Commandery of Ydes, a neighbouring commune. According to the archives kept by the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Ydes had two annexes: the Château de Longevergne and the Hospital. Travellers on their way to the Pas de Peyrol would find themselves a day’s walk from Longevergne and would come here to seek refuge.
The château was also greatly influenced by the presence of Abbé Lavergne, who lived there for around twenty years in the 1820s. He was a colourful character who refused to take the oath under the Civil Constitution of the Clergy and emigrated to England, where he made his fortune as a teacher. He was responsible for one of the most important restorations of the château, as well as the (posthumous) construction of the chapel at Longevergne.
The smiling head of a monk has been sculpted on the castle’s most recent tower. We think this is a nod to Abbé Lavergne and another rather comical sculpture that can be found almost symmetrically on the oldest tower: that of a pair of buttocks held in place by two hands, the purpose of which was to indicate to passengers the location of the latrines and invite them not to sit underneath.
AM: What is your favourite part of the property? Are there any areas in the castle itself or its gardens of which you are particularly fond?
CC & VJ: There are two aspects that we particularly like and that make up its history…
Firstly, its authenticity and medieval origins, which can be clearly seen in its exterior and also in its old kitchens, where you can still find its original floor, completely paved, its huge inglenook fireplace, its souillarde, and various antique equipment used for cooking and producing cereals.
Then there’s everything that goes back to its most recent restoration in 1905: its magnificent neo-Gothic panelled fireplaces, as well as its furniture in the same style, its stuccoed ceilings in the dining room and its library in its most recent tower, which is intimate and has remained in its original state. We plan to restore it to its former glory in the very near future.
Popular with couples, the Louis Room features exposed wood beams, a free-standing, claw-foot bath, and various boiseried furnishings. Its large casement windows also offer refreshing views of the mountains 
AM: What would you say is the most challenging or difficult aspect of managing the château?
CC & VJ: Inevitably, there are the financial aspects of its restoration. The restoration we began a year and a half ago, and the one we’re going to spread over several years in order to better control expenditure. When you take on a monument like this, you know that you have a major responsibility, and that you’re committing yourself to significant long-term costs. Because in the end, this marvellous castle will outlive us, and we have to show ourselves worthy of it and of living in it every day. Even if we do add our own little touch of modernity, our aim is to restore it to its former glory and breathe new life into it, while preserving as much of its authenticity as possible. It’s quite a challenge!
AM: Is the château associated with any legends or ghost tales?
CC & VJ: Like most castles, it has its own legends about a hidden treasure, with various speculations, some of them quite far-fetched. We were amused by this, but paid little attention to it, because if there was any treasure, it should have been found a long time ago!
There are no ghost stories, at least for the moment, and if there are any hovering within the walls, there’s no doubt that they’re watching over the castle! I can just imagine Abbé Lavergne coming to make sure everything’s under control.
AM: Which local attractions or activities would you recommend for those thinking about spending a night or two at the castle?
CC & VJ: The château is ideally located. It’s on the road to Puy Mary, a must-see, magnificent vestige of Europe’s largest stratovolcano. It’s also close to Salers, a very picturesque medieval village ranked as one of the most beautiful in France. The Cantal is packed with historic monuments, most of which can be visited. Cantalien gastronomy, based on its unique terroir, is a real treat for the taste buds.
Last but not least, there are plenty of activities to do in the surrounding area, including hiking at all levels, cycling, pedal-boating, dog-sledding, accrobranche, microlight flying and hot-air ballooning. And the summer season is punctuated by festivities and cultural events. And if you’re just in the mood for a real break from it all and want to find yourself immersed in the heart of nature, there’s no shortage of vantage points.
