Carlat

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Carlat
Chateau of Celles

Coat of arms
Carlat
Coordinates: 44°53′25″N 2°34′03″E / 44.8903°N 2.5675°E / 44.8903; 2.5675Coordinates: 44°53′25″N 2°34′03″E / 44.8903°N 2.5675°E / 44.8903; 2.5675
Country France
Region Auvergne
Department Cantal
Arrondissement Aurillac
Canton Vic-sur-Cère
Government
 • Mayor (2008–2014) Alain Cousin
Area
 • Land1 20.88 km2 (8.06 sq mi)
Population (2008)
 • Population2 288
 • Population2 Density 14/km2 (36/sq mi)
INSEE/Postal code 15028 / 15130
Elevation 480–906 m (1,575–2,972 ft)

1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

Carlat is a commune in the Cantal department in south-central France.

The "Rocher de Carlat" or rock of Carlat situated above the picturesque commune was once the site of one of the most powerful and impenetrable chateaux in all of France. It was the seat of Jacques d'Armagnac, Duke of Nemours, duke of Nemours, and often the center of intrigue, resistance and rebellion against the kings of France. Completely razed by order of the king in 1604 to alleviate the inconvenience of rebellious and ambitious southern relatives, hardly a trace of the chateau remains. The site is now a park, open to visitors and commanding sweeping views of the Carlades.

The chateau appears in history as early as the year 839. The presence of Queen Margot, Marguerite de Valois, who sought refuge at Carlat from 30 September 1585 to 15 October 1586, lives on in local lore. Given the site's historic importance as a major fortress of Auvergne, a substantial archeological program is underway to rediscover its treasures.

Population

Historical population
Year Pop.  ±%  
1962 356—    
1968 432+21.3%
1975 394−8.8%
1982 364−7.6%
1990 306−15.9%
1999 305−0.3%
2008 288−5.6%

See also

References

    External links

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