The Historic Route of the Castles of Auvergne

Auvergne is a land of character, shaped by volcanoes and history. Exploring its landscapes, you'll discover an exceptional heritage through 46 iconic castles along the Historic Castle Route of Auvergne, spread across the region's four departments.

Each year, more than 400,000 visitors travel this unique cultural route, designed for a lively and accessible exploration of historic Auvergne.

Here is a selection of Auvergne castles not to be missed, all accessible from our hotel in the Puy-de-Dôme!

The Castles of Cantal: Fortresses and Exceptional Tapestries

Cantal captivates visitors with its spectacular castles, often perched high in the mountains and intimately connected to them.
 

• The Château de La Trémolière is distinguished by its remarkable bestiary of fantastical creatures depicted on ten 16th-century Aubusson tapestries, as well as by its Déduit orchard, a medieval-inspired garden perfect for a stroll.
• Perched at an altitude of 750 meters, the Château de Pesteils majestically overlooks the Cère Valley. Formerly the fortress of Polminhac, it impresses as much by its location as by the richness of its history.

The Châteaux of the Allier: Elegance and the Art of Living

The Allier offers another facet of Auvergne's heritage, more residential and refined.
 

• The Château d'Avrilly, nicknamed the "Château with Two Faces," blends 15th- and 19th-century architecture. Its vast 100-hectare park, its ponds, and its large outbuildings enhance the majestic character of the site.
• Beauvoir Castle, surrounded by a dry moat and a formal French garden, offers a 360° panoramic view of the Besbre Valley from its hilltop perch.

Castles of Haute-Loire: Historical Figures and Remarkable Fortresses

In Haute-Loire, the castles tell the story of France through great figures and a strong military architecture.
 

• The Château de Chavaniac-Lafayette, birthplace of the Marquis de Lafayette, is a fully restored 14th-century fortified house nestled in the heart of a three-hectare park.
• The fortress of Saint-Vidal, a jewel of medieval and Renaissance architecture, will impress you with its state of preservation and the historical reenactments that bring its walls to life.

The Castles of Puy-de-Dôme: Grand Panoramas and Romanticism

Puy-de-Dôme, dominated by the Chaîne des Puys mountain range, offers castles of diverse styles.
 

• The Château de Randan, a former 19th-century royal estate, blends romanticism and modernity. You'll admire its landscaped park and its amazing collection of taxidermied animals, which make it a truly unique site!
• The Château de Tournoël, a mountain fortress built between the year 1000 and the 15th century, is remarkable for its defensive system, its restored interior decorations, and the spectacular view it offers over the Limagne plain.

Ideally located in Orcines, just 15 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, the Hotel Les Hirondelles*** welcomes you year-round for exploring the historic Auvergne Castles Route.