Medieval fortress founded in the 11th century, perched at 1,050 m facing the Sancy. Costumed tours, jousting and recreated living quarters.
A medieval fortress founded in the 11th century and mostly built in the 13th, perched at 1,050 m on a basalt promontory, facing the Massif du Sancy. Depending on the period, characters from the court of Guillaume de Murol show you around in costume, and horseback jousting or a “medieval military service” for children liven up the day. Inside, the living quarters are recreated as they were in the 15th century: storeroom, kitchen, bakery, banquet hall, bedroom, chapels. Allow on average 1 hour to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the programme. In 2026, an adult ticket costs €11.20, €12.50 during the school holidays, and it's free for under-10s.
What you will find
- The horseback jousting and the guided tours in costume
- The kitchen, the bakery and the bedroom, recreated as in the 15th century
- The view over the Massif du Sancy from the promontory
Local tip
The activities are included in the ticket, with no booking and no extra charge, and the programme changes with the period. Arrive 30 minutes before an activity: that's how long it takes to get up to the castle.
Good to know
- The castle is open every day of the year except 14 July; in 2026, from 9:00 to 19:30 in July and August, with shorter hours the rest of the year
- Allow on average 1 hour to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the activity programme
Practical information
- Booking
- Activities with no booking and no extra charge. 2026 opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00 in February and March, 10:00 to 19:00 from April to June, 9:00 to 19:30 in July and August, 10:00 to 18:30 in September, 10:00 to 18:00 from October to mid-November, 14:00 to 17:00 from mid-November to mid-December and in January (10:00 to 17:00 during the Christmas holidays). Closed on 14 July (Bastille Day).
- Getting there
- Lots of stairs: getting to the lower courtyard and the upper courtyard is very difficult in a wheelchair. Leave the pushchair in the lower courtyard, or better, bring the baby carrier. Free municipal car park below, 5 minutes' walk away, with a steep slope up to the entrance.
- With a dog
- Dogs allowed, kept on a lead.
- Accessibility
- Not wheelchair accessible
