The smugglers

We are Virgile and Caroline, happy owners of the Château de Longevergne since the summer of 2022. Passionate and in love with this jewel of medieval architecture and everything that makes it up.

It all began in the spring of 2018, when, by sheer chance, our paths crossed. An enchanting encounter that sealed our destiny and inexplicably bound us to his. That day, we were instantly captivated. And he certainly had no shortage of charm.

From that moment on, we secretly visited the abandoned believer two to three times a year.

We used the word “chance” earlier, but we like to think that there’s really no such thing as chance. In the fall of 2021, just a few months after contacting the town hall, we learned it was for sale. The following weekend, we visited it. The visit, though very dusty, was a delight. The next day, without the slightest hesitation, we made an offer. Despite the numerous obstacles we encountered, we never once doubted ourselves. Six months later, after many administrative steps, we were finally within reach of our dream. This dream, symbolized by the enormous metal key to its bookcase, was handed to us by the notary.

Longevergne is not Versailles. It’s not flashy or opulent, but in our eyes, it’s even better. It’s a small architectural marvel on a human scale, modest and intimate, endearing, with a captivating charm. Nestled in its verdant setting in the heart of the valley, the château embodies all the unspoiled beauty of the Cantal region, its natural and historical richness. Its stone is alive, its walls breathe, and each room possesses its own unique appeal.

Today, we live here. For it, we left everything. Our mission is to bring it back to life, to restore its former glory, and above all, to share the passion that drives us. The castle teaches us patience, gratitude, respect, humility, and sharing every day. We like to think of ourselves as mere custodians of its memory, highly privileged custodians nonetheless. And now, we hope that our dream will become, in a way, yours as well.