Auvergne is a land of châteaux . Continued

The "Route des Châteaux d'Auvergne", with the cooperation of the Regional Tourist Board, are pleased to suggest six different itineraries to visit these jewels of the Auvergne and to get to know the rich diversity of the regions Bourbonnais, Limagnes, Volcanos, Livradois-Forez, the Cantal and the Haute-Loire mountains. We hope you’ll enjoy your trip and wish you "Bonne route des Châteaux d'Auvergne"

The Billy Chateau

The fortress of Billy was built in the 12th century: it had military functions. It has been a part of the Lords of Bourbon's patrimony for a long time. The seigneury of Billy was one of the most important of the seventeen ones the dukedom of Bourbonnais. The seigneury had power up to the French Revolution. You could notice the main surrounding wall, which is oval, and the hexagonal watch tower. This one overlooks the medieval houses and streets, which coil up around the castle. The entrance is still very imposing. If you walk along the south surrounding wall, you have a magnificent panoramic view of the Allier valley to the "Puy de Dôme" volcano. Read More...

The Bourbon-L'Archambault Chateau

The medieval fortress of Bourbon l'Archambault is the birthplace of the Bourbon dynasty and therefore closely involved with the history of France. Despite the damages it has suffered in the course of the past centuries, it remains one of the most powerful and impressive buildings of feudol times in France. The castle, early residence of the noble family Archambault de Bourbon, counted originally fifteen strong towers and served mainly for military defense purposes, while the dukes and their court preferred to stay in Moulins. After the 16 th century, the castle was abandonned and slowly decayed although a Chapter took care of the Holy Relies brought to the Chapel by Robert de France, the sixth son of Saint Louis, king of France. After the Revolution of 1792, the fortress was con fiscated and became the property of the State. It was sold in 1794 and turned into the region 's most productive quarry until 1832 when the poet Achille Allier saved the remaining north towers and the adjoining hall from further destruction. Together with the clock tower "Qui Qu'en Grogne", these parts remain the only witnesses of a stronghold that in its daps of glory would successfully withstand alI attempts of forced access and conquest.

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