Auvergne Chateaux and Castles

Auvergne has a particularly rich heritage of châteaux that are well worth visiting.

Built in the Middle Ages, then under the Dukes of Bourbon d'Auvergne and their vassals, these sentinels set high up on volcanic promontories and these lovely residences nestled in the Bourbonnais bocage bear witness to a prestigious past.

The Historic Road of the Auvergne Châteaux offers you showcases of the historical, artistic and architectural heritage of the region, laid out in six tours: tours of the Bourbonnais area, the Limagnes area, the Volcanoes, the Livradois-Forez area, the Cantalien Mountains and the Haute-Loire.

The ALLIER birthplace of the Bourbons, seat of the Lords of La Palice, has hundreds of chateaux, fortresses and mansions full of character: the medieval fortress at Bourbon-l'Archambault, the chateau de Busset, chateau de Chareil-Cintrat, chateau de Fontariol, chateau de La Palice ... (Allier)

CHATEAUX IN PUY-DE-DÔME, to mention just a few: Chateau de Cordès: an impressive 15th century chateau, on the historical monuments list. Superb classic French style gardens laid out by Le Nôtre. Murol: masterpiece of medieval military architecture, where a new legend of chivalry is staged each year. Saint-Saturnin: set in one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France stands a perfect example of a big medieval castle – which once belonged notably to Catherine de Medicis.

CHATEAUX IN CANTAL, among others: Anjony: the fortified 15th century keep to which were added living quarters in the 17th century. Remarkable set of 16th century wall-paintings, including the scene of the Neufs Preux (nine noble heroes) in the hall. La Trémolière: the ten 16th century Fantastic Bestiary tapestries which are on the historical monuments list. Pesteils: 15th century frescoes, 17th century painted ceilings. From the top of the keep, 40 metres high, an unforgettable view of the Cantal mountains. Sedaiges: a unique example of 19th century Troubadour architecture. Scenes from Les Malheurs de Sophie are recreated in the salons. Period figures and costumes, old toys, ceremonial tableware, etc. (Cantal)

THE CATHEDRAL OF LE PUY-EN-VELAY (UNESCO world heritage site): Marial sanctuary with origins dating back to the 5th century, and which was the site of one of the most important Virgin Mary pilgrimages between the 11th and 16th centuries. The mysterious Black Virgin statue burned in 1794, the 12th and 13th century frescoes and sculptures, recall the links between this cathedral and Middle East Christianity. Also worth seeing are the 12th century cloisters and the museum of religious art. (Haute-Loire)

A listed historical monument THE CASTLE OF BOUSSAC was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. On the lintel to the entrance door can be seen the arms of Jean 1st de Brosse, one of Joan of Arc’s companions. The writer George Sand had a room here where she wrote her Journal d’un voyageur pendant la guerre. (Creuse UNIQUE: the scenic presentation at Bénévent-l’Abbaye. Come and share everyday life with Marion, a young Creuse countrywoman of strong character, and the pharmacist Paul Pelissier in the 1880s. This show-cum-journey of an hour takes you back to discover the knowhow and history of the country thanks to the latest technological means (3D images, odorama, and so on) for an unforgettable holiday memory. Tel. + 33 (0) 555 626 835. (Creuse)