(Click on the picture)

The Saint Saturnin castle

Towering above the medieval village of Saint Saturnin and facing the romanic church, the Royal Castle of Saint Saturnin is the fief of the family de La Tour d'Auvergne since 1281. It belonged to Queen Catherine de Médicis and Queen Marguerite de Valois, then to King Louis XIII. Remarquably well restored, this important fortress is a perfect example of the military architecture of the Middle Age : moat, ramparts and battlements, crenelations and machicolations. It was enlarged and was improved during the Renaissance till the end of the 15th century.

Its grounds, in restauration, are surrounded by the hills of the Natural Volcanos Park. During the visit of this Historical Monument listed in1886 you will discover the donjon, the main courtyard and the terrace opening on the grounds and the splendid frameworks from 15th. Inside you will visit wide and well furnished rooms and the bedroom of the Queen Catherine de Médicis.

Periods and hours of admission 2009:

Open14 - 18.30 on week ends in mai and june and 10 -19 h every day from july 1. to september 15. Groups (10 persons) on appointment all the year.

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Admission fees:

Adults: 6€

Group: 5€

Children (+ 6 years) and students: 5€

Children until 6 years: free

Private carpark
-150 places in the enclosure of the park of the castle, with access on the right of the War memorial, Rue principale in Saint Saturnin
(A 75, Exit n° 5, in the south of Clermont-Ferrand).