Château de Bourbon-l'Archambault

A medieval fortress of the 13th century, cradle of the Bourbon dynasty, which would reign over France from 1589 to 1792, then from 1814 to 1848. Sold as national property during the Revolution, the château was used as a quarry and dismantled. What remains: the three towers of the north front and the living quarters, spared from demolition, the Quiquengrogne tower, two towers of the outer wall, part of the curtain walls and the fortified mill. The canon's house, from the 16th century, is one of the three houses that the canons of the Sainte-Chapelle, which no longer exists, had built in the lower courtyard. Panoramic view from the top of the towers. 2026 season: open from 10 February to 7 November, closed on Mondays. Château admission €7 in 2026, as an unguided visit with information panels and a visit leaflet, or guided for €2.50 more. The Quiquengrogne tower and the canon's house are visited together, €8, only with a guide. The 3-site pass, at €16 and valid for a week, covers all three. Can be combined with the Bourbon thermal baths (a spa town known since Roman times).