CHÂTEAU DE POLIGNAC

CHÂTEAU DE POLIGNAC
Polignac - 43770
The Sentinel of Puy-en-Velay, century (xieme)

Placed on a rocky outcrop, on cliffs of more than one hundred metres high, the fortress of Polignac, near le Puy-en-Velay, has reopened its doors after three years of closure due to restoration. Dominating the landscape, he is the bearer of myths and history since antiquity.
The fortress from the 10th century was the birthplace of the largest family of Velay, the Polignac family, one of the most illustrious of the history of France. It could house 800 soldiers. With its unique defence system and its strategic position, the fortress has played a major role. The Polignac family, born in the region, built walls along the cliffs (13th century). It remained, today only ruins and a magnificent Square Tower, restored in the 19th century.
The Dungeon was, to him, built between 1385 and 1421.
Polignac

After three years of closure for restoration, the fortress at reopened its doors to the public in June 2004 and the owner, Princess Constance de Polignac, does not lack, since projects to highlight the family heirloom. Regular workshops and animations are proposed there, especially in summer period. Guided tours more explanatory are in the program, to understand how history changed places. One of the buildings, for example, was successively a defence tower, then a kitchen or even a barn.
One can simply stroll in this enchanting site, admire the breathtaking view from the top of the stone keep or dream near the Oracle of Apollo, 83 meters deep well...

Dates and times of visits

from April 1 to May 31: every day from 10 h to 13 h and 14 h to 18 h 30
from 1 June to 16 September: every day from 9 to 19 h
from 17 September to 11 November: 10 h to 13 h and from 14 h to 18
reduced rate for: students, under 18, applicants for employment, disabled, group from 15 people)
Visits guided Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday in low season and every day in high season