This dual ownership was the cause of three centuries of bloody rivalry between the two families, one of old feudal stock, the other having prospered through commerce and service to royalty.
[3] It is located in a strategic position on the Tournemire promontory and dominates the rich landscape of the Doire valley with its four tall towers, 40 metres (130 ft).
Throughout the castle are fine furnishings and fittings, including tapestries from Aubusson and Flanders, a tester bed and a reclining seat.
Notable objects in this room include a Florentine table inlaid with ivory, a Mudéjar-style secretaire, engraved silver dishes and various Renaissance objets d'art.
The audience chamber on the third floor has diagonal faulting and walls hung with two large tapestries, one a Flemish verdure (hunting scene).