Monuments to visit Auvergne

For a long time the castle perched in Montaigut dominates its high silhouette in the Couze-Chambon valley. The th century imposant tower flanked by its th-century stair turret has just regained its lustre. In the early seventies the dungeon threatens to collapse and the last owners do not want to repair. In 1975 the castle is redeemed by a clermontois architect who unfortunately dies before his restoration work is completed. The Sauvadet family then takes over and completes the restoration of the dungeon in which the guest rooms are installed by a beautiful vis staircase finished by a vault with the lion of the Montaigut. On the other hand, there are only a few remains of the large fortified polygonal enclosure, but we note the good state of the eastern door of the village, although there are only two corbeaux in support of the machicolated that protected it.

It welcomes you at the entrance to the village: this remarkable fountain would actually date from the Middle Ages, but it joined its current location in the sixteenth century. The water comes from the mountains by some kind of closed gutter, stone. This fountain is classified as an additional inventory of Historic Monuments.

To find this beautiful castle and visit its park in free access, go to the th century church and then take the direction of Montaigu-le-Blin. Hérissant of its towers the marshy plain surrounding it, Le Méage is a strong house known as 1272. The castle and its courtyard are surrounded by water moat; its avant courtyard is closed by a portal of wrought iron. Linked to these moat, a small stream runs along the north-west aisle. A circular basin was installed by the owner between the prairie and the castle. Signage provides explanations and elements on the history of the site.

This dungeon is one of the last vestiges of the feudal castle. It was built in the first half of the fifteenth by the Nesmond brothers. He rises on a slight eminence, on the edge of the stream the Drop of the Ré. Quadrangular shape is particularly high, since it has no less than five levels. Each was divided into two pieces that kept their chimney. The third floor is occupied by a first attic that gives access to the round road above the corbeaux à, which li the top of the dungeon. The second attic covered with the roof covered two watchtower located above the rectangular turrets. To the south of the dungeon came the th century buildings, which houses a apothicairerie where an interesting collection of pharmacy pots from the th to the th. This room was followed by the poor and sick room, which opened the chapel with a single nave with a flat bedside adorned with woodwork and stucco. Since the 1900 th century, Gayette has been increasing many buildings and in particular a wing in the extension of the th century, to the south-west of the dungeon, built around.

As witnesses from the time of the lavandières, there are still numerous washing machines in this sector of the department. Restored in 1994, this circular and semi-covered wash, which makes it possible to collect rainwater, is a relic of the castle. The chimney fuel the washing machine and supplied ashes used as detergent cleaning. Dug below, it is accessed by a few steps. Its large capacity allows it to host many lavandières, which kneel in the edge of flat surfaces with solidarity. The newly renovated Saint-Gérand-le-Puy is also very interesting for its top roof and chimneys.

A castle that you can contemplate from outside. You will discover a building of polychrome bricks, and will probably be seduced by its lanternons towers. The walk can also be an opportunity to walk in the surrounding park with beautiful trees: bald cypress, Lebanon cedar, centennial plane, rouvre oak, chestnut trees, or copalme of America.

It is well known, the most beautiful places are revealed to the walkers. Thus, by arpetant the streets of Louroux and especially the banks of the Bouble, you will fall nose nose with several mills, which is worth a look. Among other things: The Moulin de Boutevin, damaged by time, the Moulin Berthon, or the Moulin de Villonne, which is located near the town of Echassières, and you can visit.

Like its to Coustansouze, Rouzat and Neuvial, the Bouble viaduct was built by the Eiffel Company. It is 66 m high. Its central part is 300 m in length, and consists of 6 metal spans, whereas the abutment side of the Côté side is composed of 7 masonry spans. Not far from there, there are 2 other viaducts, that of the Vallée Valley, 48 m high and 231 m long, with 3 metal spans and 7 piers, and that of the Perrières.

This tunnel, located between Ebreuil and Menat, really looks like a cave. It is difficult to say far that it is a tunnel! It could very well be the den of any ancient monster… In addition to facilitating exchanges with the Combrailles, the tunnel is appreciated by sportsmen, since it offers 50 climbing lanes, from 4 to 7 a (assessment to gauge the difficulty of an escalation path).

The station is a central monument to the city. We come to take the train, of course, but not just. The numerous restaurants, bars and shops attached, attract many tourists and vichyssois, who after completing their meal, their glass or their races, like to stop on the square that precedes it to discuss, or dreaming if time lends itself. Opened in May 1862, the station was built on the plans of architect Denis Darcy. Enlarged in 1977, but deteriorated in its facade, it will find its beautiful imperial appearance of origin only in 2008.

A guide proposes to discover the tower of Saint-Étienne Castle on Wednesdays of July and August. Overlooking the city, the square tower of the castle offers a pleasant panorama of Aurillac and its surroundings. Aurillac is also one of the three highest prefectures in France! The castle has successively housed abbots, prefects and teachers before becoming the Museum des Volcans in the late 1990 s. It now contains explanations and illustrations about the functioning of the earth and the formation of the auvergnat landscape.

Tariff: € 4,50 (€ 2,50 for children aged 6 to 18).

Duration: 1 h.

Difficulty: easy.

On reservation only. Departure subject to a minimum of 8 persons registered.

It is around 1827 that La Bourboule has its first hotels, but starting in 1860 the real transformation began. The first hotel to be built is the Grand Hotel de l'Etablissement, next to the thermal Baths. The old Palace Hotel was built Avenue avenue near the same time. Hotel Métropole, work of Teillard, Hotel des Iles britanniques de Gradin, Hotel Richelieu will follow.