1171 – Bernard de Ravel is the first recorded owner of Ravel.
1283 – Philippe III Le Hardi, King of France son of Saint Louis [takes over the Castle]. Ravel becomes a Royal Property.
1294 – Philippe IV le Bel, son of Philippe III, donates Ravel to his counsellor Pierre Flot, French Chancellor.
1431 – André de Chauvigny
15 th and 16 th century – Charles d'Amboise – François de la Rochefoucauld and Louis de Combourcier du Terrail.
1647 – Jean IV d'Estaing
1729 – Charles–Henri Theodat, Comte d'Estaing, Admiral of France
Two servants of France
Among all the owners of Ravel, two men emerge:
- Pierre Flote (or Flotte)
- Charles-Henri d'Estaing
Ravel has a greater place in French History when you know the place these two men occupied, in the history of France.
He
was probably born in Languedoc during the second half of the 13 th century. He
studied law. He was a ferocious opponent of the King of France's enemies: Edward
I Plantagenet, King of England and the Pope Boniface VIII.
Pierre Flote was
sent to Rome by the King, to negotiate the canonization of Louis IX.
The year 1300 marks the peak of Pierre Flote's career. He receives
the post of Chancellor of France. For the first time, this post is given to a
layman whereas in the past it used to be reserved to clergymen. As a donation,
he receives the fortress of Ravel.
Philippe IV once again trusts Pierre Flot's
unscrupulous skills with the “Saisset affair “ .
Pierre Flote
The
admiral's eccentric lifestyle reflects the spirit of the 18 th century.
Born
in the castle of Ravel, his certificate of baptism, which is kept in our archives,
tells us that he was baptised in the village church on the 26 th of November 1729.
Infantry officer at the beginning of his career, the conflict with the British
leads him into the navy. Wounded at Madras in 1758, he was made prisoner by the
British and freed on parole. In 1762 he is upgraded General Lieutenant of the
Naval Forces.
In 1777 he is named Vice-Admiral of the Asian and American
Seas and takes an active part in the United States War of Independence, along
side another famous “auvergnat”, the Marquis of Lafayette.
In November 1778,
the American congress gives him the following acknowledgement:
His head was
chopped off on the 28 th of April 1797. The Admiral died with no direct heir,
his son of 6 had previously died by falling off Ravel's Music room's balcony.
The Marchioness of Boisseulh, legitimate daughter of the Admiral's father
inherited of Ravel and sold it in 1806 to Charles de Riberolles de Beaucène.
Monsieur le comte
d'Estaing
The year of the siege of the Bastille, d'Estaing becomes the Commander of the National Guard s of Versailles.
The French Assembly names him Admiral of France in 1792.
The following year starts with the execution of the King Louis XVI and ends by that of the Queen Marie-Antoinette. In 1794, he is brought before a revolutionary court, knowing he is about to die, he refuses to defend himself. He states his service records and concludes by saying this famous phrase:
His head was chopped off on the 28 th of April 1797.
The Admiral
died with no direct heir, his son of 6 had previously died by falling off Ravel's
Music room's balcony.
The Marchioness of Boisseulh, legitimate daughter of
the Admiral's father inherited of Ravel and sold it in 1806 to Charles de Riberolles
de Beaucène.
This illustrious family from Auvergne goes back to Gilbert de Riberolles, purveyor at Thiers and who died in 1661. The name Riberolles is said to come from the words: “rives” (shores) and “Durolles” (a local river).
His children were: Barthélémy (1679-1763), Lord of Ortz and married to Pétronille Vacherias, they had 23 children!
Joseph-Just de Riberolles (1715-1786), Squire and Lord of Martinanches.
Gilbert (1749-1828), deputy in 1789.
Charles de Riberolles (1752-1827), who bought Ravel.
Ravel was classified as a “Historical Monument” by André de Riberolles on May the 20 th 1958.
Charles de Riberolles Beaucène
The Riberolles's family
descendants Mrs Brochot along with the Ramos family still own Ravel and take care
of it with courage and taste.
They have managed to preserve and embellish
Ravel whilst developing tourism and cultural events (concerts, plays, movies and
parties).
Mr Etienne Brochot, wo created this Website and actively participated at the restoration of the Castle, died in July 2006.
The
future of Ravel is guaranteed by five children and ten grand children! 
Photo : Carlos Insenser
