The Polignac castle, France, Auvergne, Haute Loire

Probably occupied since the antiquity, this place has been belonging to the De Polignac Family since the eleventh century. The strategic place permitted to control the roads located in the West and North of the town of Puy-en-Velay.
For two centuries, the viscounts of Polignac fought against the bishops of the Puy, in a merciless struggle due to the toll's collection the Family imposed on the roads of pilgrimage? “The kings of the mountains”, values allies of the kings of France, but showing a very independent character, did not hesitate to rebel against the royal authority. Louis the Sixth (Louis the Fat) (1080-1137), and after Louis the Eleventh (1423-1483) had to assault the fortress to restore their authority.

Years later, Armand the Sixteenth welcomed king François the First (1494-1547) and his suite at his castle (1533). He fought by his side against Charles the Fifth. During the wars of religion, the De Polgnac Family took side with Henry the Four (1553-1610), and the fortress became the refuge of royalists, against the Puy area united.
Little by Little, the De Polignac Family looked for other properties more pleasant to live in, and neglected the fortress and its stormy past.
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Haute Loire	Fortress of Polignac			Auvergne
(Click on the picture) The Polignac castle
Probably occupied since the antiquity, this place has been belonging to the De Polignac Family since the eleventh century. The strategic place permitted to control the roads located in the West and North of the town of Puy-en-Velay. For two centuries, the viscounts of Polignac fought against the bishops of the Puy, in a merciless struggle due to the toll's collection the Family imposed on the roads of pilgrimage? “The kings of the mountains”, values allies of the kings of France, but showing a very independent character, did not hesitate to rebel against the royal authority. Louis the Sixth (Louis the Fat) (1080-1137), and after Louis the Eleventh (1423-1483) had to assault the fortress to restore their authority. Years later, Armand the Sixteenth welcomed king François the First (1494-1547) and his suite at his castle (1533). He fought by his side against Charles the Fifth. During the wars of religion, the De Polgnac Family took side with Henry the Four (1553-1610), and the fortress became the refuge of royalists, against the Puy area united. Little by Little, the De Polignac Family looked for other properties more pleasant to live in, and neglected the fortress and its stormy past. __________________________
Periods and hours of admission: From April 5 to May 31 and September 15 to November 11, 2008: Opened Tuesday at Sunday and public holidays of 10h with 12.30 H and 13.30 H to 18.30 h. Guided tours with 10h30, 14h, 15h30 Of June 1 to September 14, 2008: Opened the every day of 9h with 19h. Guided tours the every day with 9h30, 11h, 14h, 15h30 and 17h.			Visiting fee: Adult 5 € reduced 3.50 € Free up to 6 years Groups (+ 15 people), children above 6 years, students, unemployed persons : 3 € ______________________
		Information about the castle: Fortress of Polignac 43000 Polignac Information and reservations: (+33) 04 71 04 06 04 contact@fondationspolignac.com www.fondationspolignac.com
GPS - waypoint: N 45 04 15.2 E 3 51 37.2 lat="45.070889" lon="3.860333"
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