Just some kilometers from Moulins (France), proudly overlooking the Burge valley, le château de Bourbon-l’Archambault is far more than a medieval web site: it bears witness to the rise of a Capetian dynasty that turned royal. Its spectacular stays and panoramic views of the area make it a must-see within the Auvergne.
What’s the historical past of the Bourbon-l’Archambault citadel? What are you able to see ? And what are you able to do within the surrounding space? Observe the information!
Article produced in collaboration with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area
The historical past of Bourbon-l’Archambault citadel
The citadel of Bourbon-l’Archambault is one of many founding locations within the historical past of the Home of Bourbon. Set on a rocky spur overlooking the River Burge and commerce routes, the location occupies the foundations of a stronghold that mixed army, administrative and residential capabilities. The Archambaud de Bourbon household established their energy right here within the early Center Ages, and it was right here that the seigniory’s identify took on its renown.
On the finish of the thirteenth century, the citadel entered the Capetian line due to the wedding of Beatrice de Bourgogne to Robert de Clermont, son of Saint Louis. From this time onwards, the fortress was significantly bolstered, geared up with large round towers, a few of which nonetheless survive.
With the rise of the Duchy of Bourbon within the 14th century, the citadel turned the middle of princely energy of the best order. Louis I de Bourbon, grandson of Saint-Louis, had a Sainte-Chapelle constructed there to deal with prestigious relics, whereas his son Louis II undertook main works after the ravages of the English wars. The fortress then boasted as much as fifteen towers and established itself as one of the vital highly effective within the kingdom.
What’s a Sainte-Chapelle?
Along with essentially the most well-known one in Paris, there are nonetheless a dozen or so Saintes Chapelles in France. A holy chapel is acknowledged when it cumulates the next 5 standards:
- it was based by Saint Louis or certainly one of his descendants,
- it housed a relic indifferent from the holy relics of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris (a bit of the crown of thorns or the True Cross),
- it’s the chapel of a royal or princely citadel,
- its structure follows the plan of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris,
- providers are celebrated by canons each 3 hours, as in Paris
In 1531, the duchy of Bourbonnais was connected to the crown. The citadel then entered a part of decline. From the 16th century onwards, medieval fortresses had been now not wanted and the citadel was deserted, inhabited solely by canons who taken care of the Saintes-Chapelles.
The 18th century marks a darkish interval for the citadel after a hearth that ravaged a part of it, the demolition of a giant a part of the property is ordered throughout the Revolution. Solely the three towers on the northern entrance had been spared, serving because the native jail.
Within the nineteenth century, the poet Achille Allier campaigned to save lots of the stays, which had been quickly protected as historic monuments. The property then handed to the Home of Orléans, then to the Duc d’Aumale, earlier than being conferred in 1974 to the Fondation Saint-Louis by the Depend of Paris. Immediately, though in ruins, the citadel of Bourbon-l’Archambault stays a excessive place of reminiscence, a logo of the ability of the Bourbons and a witness to the richness of French feudal historical past.
Go to Bourbon-l’Archambault citadel
Immediately, due to this fact, solely vestiges of this citadel stay. Listed as a Monument Historique since 1862, the location presents outstanding architectural stays: a seigneurial loggia, three crenellated north towers, rib vaults and monumental chimneys, proof of an historical pomp.
A go to to the citadel provides an perception into the life-style of its former homeowners. 3D reconstructions additionally assist us to raised perceive how the citadel was adorned in its heyday.
After all, the spotlight of the go to takes place on the prime of the towers, with an distinctive panorama of each the citadel and the encircling space.
The historic route of Auvergne castles
Whenever you consider Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, you don’t essentially consider its castles. But the area boasts over 500 of them! Of those, some 50 are grouped collectively within the Route Historique des Châteaux d’Auvergne, opening their doorways to the general public and providing quite a few cultural and festive occasions. So take advantage of your keep in Auvergne to proceed your journey alongside the citadel highway!
Connoisseur addresses round Bourbon-l’Archambault citadel
The place to search out “potato pâté“
Traiteur Dumont – Bourbon-l’Archambault
A neighborhood staple, this caterer honors conventional Bourbonnais recipes, together with the well-known potato pâté. Very best for a gourmand takeaway.
https://comptoir-du-bocage.fr/fiche/traiteur-dumont/
La Petite Graine – Ygrande
Created by chef David Martin, this Toque d’Auvergne label restaurant champions natural and native delicacies. Its philosophy: to share the artwork of “consuming higher” via beneficiant, dedicated dishes.
https://toquesauvergne.fr/les-chefs/david-martin/
Some eating places
Le Talleyrand – Bourbon-l’Archambault
On the coronary heart of the Grand Hôtel Montespan Talleyrand, this restaurant presents refined, artistic delicacies in a sublime setting with uncovered beams. A positive handle the place gastronomy rhymes with conviviality.
3 place des Thermes, Bourbon-l’Archambault
https://montespan-hotel.com/restaurant/
Chez Ju – Bourbon-l’Archambault
A comfortable bistro that revisits native delicacies utilizing native produce. The pleasant ambiance and style for authenticity make this a spot to not be missed.
30 avenue Emile Guillaumin, Bourbon-l’Archambault
https://comptoir-du-bocage.fr/fiche/chez-ju/
The Bourbons – Bourbon-l’Archambault
This family-run restaurant presents conventional, home-cooked delicacies. In a room the place stone and beams mingle, you’ll discover all of the simplicity and generosity of the Bourbonnais.
6 place de l’Hôtel de Ville, Bourbon-l’Archambault
https://comptoir-du-bocage.fr/fiche/restaurant-les-bourbons/
Restaurant L&LuY – Château d’Ygrande
Set in an imposing setting, this gourmand restaurant sublimates the merchandise of the native vegetable backyard and farms. Chef Cédric Denaux, a botanical fanatic, infuses it with uncommon, refined flavors.
Le Mont, Ygrande
https://www.chateauygrande.fr/fr/restaurant-et-saveurs-gastronomie-auvergne
For wine… (moderately!)
Domaine de Bellevue – Meillard
For 4 generations, this household property has cultivated 22 hectares of vines, together with the uncommon Tressallier grape selection. It produces AOP Saint-Pourçain wines, famend for his or her finesse and authenticity.
Bellevue, Meillard
https://www.saintpourcain-bellevue.fr/
Cheese…
Ferme du Villars – Noyant-d’Allier
A conventional goat farm within the coronary heart of the bocage bourbonnais, the farm transforms its milk into recent or mature cheeses, from traditional crottins to unique creations. Visits, milking and tastings can be found by appointment.
Noyant-d’Allier
09 75 96 14 91
From the unique…
Bisons d’Auvergne – Rocles
With over 200 bison raised within the open air, the farm produces wholesome, tasty meat. Yearly in September, the farm hosts a convivial competition that includes meals, leisure and an area market.
Lieu-dit, Le Plaix, Rocles
https://www.bisons-auvergne.fr/
And naturally: the Vichy Pastille, celebrating its two hundredth anniversary!
A gourmand emblem, the well-known pastille celebrates its two centuries with exhibitions, a themed escape sport and large artwork installations. A singular alternative to (re)uncover Vichy and its Unesco-listed spa heritage.
Interactive map
Sensible data
Handle:
286 rue de la Sainte-Chapelle
Bourbon-l’Archambault
Hours:
Till November 9, 2025
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm
Guided tour at 2pm.
Article produced in collaboration with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area
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