The Auvergne, land of volcanoes, can also be a area wealthy in historical past. From the Center Ages onwards, its rugged terrain, fertile valleys and commerce routes gave rise to a large number of fortresses designed to guard territories, watch over passages and assert the facility of lords.
In the present day, this reminiscence is being rediscovered due to La Route historique des châteaux d’Auvergne, a singular cultural and vacationer itinerary that brings collectively some fifty outstanding castles and mansions.
Article produced in collaboration with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
Castles in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
Once we consider visiting castles, we instantly consider the Loire castles, however the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area is to not be outdone there are 227 castles within the area !
In Auvergne, some fifty castles and historic residences have joined forces to kind La Route Historique des Châteaux d’Auvergne (Historic highway of Auvergne’s castles). A grouping of personal and public castles open to guests, whose mission is to protect these high-maintenance edifices, but additionally to assist guests perceive the position they performed in regional historical past.
A wide range of types and eras and a full of life cultural immersion
The richness of the Route lies within the variety of its websites:
- Medieval fortresses like Château de Murol (Puy-de-Dôme), perched on their rocky outcrops, are a reminder of feudal struggles.
- Renaissance demeures, such because the Château de Parentignat (close to Issoire), testify to a extra refined artwork of dwelling.
- Traditional and romantic residences, resembling Château de La Bâtisse or Château de Ravel, open their salons and gardens to the invention of one other face of Auvergne.
Every of those locations tells a distinct story, from battles and intrigues to native dynasties and altering existence.
Past the architectural go to, the Route affords a dwelling expertise: historic reveals, medieval re-enactments, live shows, youngsters’s workshops or exhibitions. These occasions deliver these previous stones to life, interesting to heritage lovers and households alike.
A few of these châteaux, resembling Château de Riau or Château d’Avrilly, even provide stays with a spread of mattress and breakfasts or gîtes, excellent for dwelling the château life !
Interactive map of Auvergne castles
This map reveals all of the castles open to the general public in Auvergne:
Please word : a few of them should not open all yr spherical, so I invite you to contact them earlier than scheduling a go to to seek out out about their opening occasions.
Urged itinerary for the Historic Route of Auvergne Castles
Relying on the kind of châteaux you want to uncover, there are numerous doable itineraries across the Route Historique des Châteaux d’Auvergne, which will even mean you can pattern the native gastronomy.
Right here’s a advice that may take you on a tour of three castles in very completely different types arriving by practice and with a rental automobile on web site :
- The fortress of Bourbon-l’Archambault, cradle of the Bourbon dynasty
- The fortress of Villeneuve-Lembron, whose structure falls between the Center Ages and the Renaissance.
- The fortress of Chavaniac-Lafayette which noticed the delivery of the well-known Marquis de Lafayette
STEP 1: Bourbon-l’Archambault fortress
Begin your keep in Auvergne in Moulins-sur-Allier, a city simply accessible by practice, simply 2h30 from Paris.
After renting a automobile, set off within the course of the château de Bourbon-l’Archambault, round 25 minutes away. Its spectacular stays make for a captivating go to and provide a powerful view of the encompassing space.
LEARN MORE: Go to the stays of Bourbon-l’Archambault fortress
STEP 2: Villeneuve-Lembron fortress
After a restful evening, head for the château de Villeneuve-Lembron, a 15-minute drive away. Constructed within the late fifteenth century by Rigault d’Aureille chamberlain and advisor to a number of kings of France, this château is without doubt one of the most outstanding examples of transitional structure between the Center Ages and the Renaissance.
Please word: the Château de Villeneuve-Lembron can solely be found on guided excursions, so bear in mind to test the timetable earlier than you go.
LEARN MORE: The Château de Villeneuve-Lembron, a jewel of the Auvergne Renaissance
STAGE 3: Chavaniac-Lafayette fortress
Then set off for the château de Chavaniac-Lafayette, a spot that may enchantment to younger and previous alike due to its park and family-friendly tour information that takes you within the footsteps of the Marquis de Lafayette, born on this property in 1757.
LEARN MORE: Le château de Chavaniac-Lafayette, a bridge between France and America
The itinerary involves an finish: get again on the highway in direction of Clermont-Ferrand to return your automobile and take the practice again.
Which castles will you go to in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes?
Article produced in collaboration with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
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