Our take
Because in a single visit you go from the counts of Auvergne to the kings and queens of France who owned it, before finishing on the wall walk, above the Limagne.
A fortified castle from 1170 on a volcanic dyke, a circular 12th-century fireplace and a view that runs from the Forez to the Sancy.
Busséol is a fortified castle perched on a volcanic dyke, above the Limagne. Built in 1170 on the remains of a Gallo-Roman castrum, it was a stronghold of the counts of Auvergne. Catherine de' Medici stayed there in 1566 with her son Charles IX.
In the great hall, you will see a circular 12th-century fireplace. The rest of the visit takes you past antique furniture, weapons and suits of armour. Left in ruins after the Revolution, the château was restored from 1966. The visit ends on the wall walk: the view runs from the Forez mountains to the Massif du Sancy.
Allow about forty minutes. In 2026, the autumn season runs from 16 September to 11 November, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 14:30 to 18:00.
Why we love it
- Fortified castle built in 1170
- Circular 12th-century fireplace
- Catherine de' Medici's stay in 1566
- Wall walk with views from the Forez to the Sancy
- Listed as a historic monument since 1926
Top tip
Bring cash or a chequebook: in 2026, those are the payment methods given for the visit.
Before you go
- Autumn season 2026: from 16 September to 11 November, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 14:30 to 18:00.
- 2026 prices: adult from €10, child from €4, free for under-4s.
- Allow about forty minutes for the visit, recommended from age 5.
- Animals allowed, kept on a lead.
- For groups, the visit is by reservation.
Practical info
- Address
- Le Bourg, 63270 Busséol
63270 Busséol - MondayClosed
- TuesdayClosed
- WednesdayClosed
- ThursdayClosed
- FridayClosed
- Saturday14h30–18h
- Today14h30–18h
Opening hours
What visitors say
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Around Château de Busséol
Enough to build your day around this address.
Where to eat close by
A place to see, a night to spend?
Hotels, gîtes and B&Bs within 20 km of Busséol. Availability and online booking.
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
On foot
On footPérignat-ès-Allier, Paysages empreints du passé antique et médiéval
Start: Pérignat-ès-Allier
- 7.9 km
- +66 m
- 2 h 30 min
Hikes around Château de Busséol
On footOn footPérignat-ès-Allier, Paysages empreints du passé antique et médiéval
Start: Pérignat-ès-Allier
- 7.9 km
- +66 m
- 2 h 30 min
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