Dating back to the XIIth century
and perched on a basaltic hillock, this fortress is a scarce example of un-modified
late roman defensive architecture and is the cradle of the ancient and powerful
Montmorin family.
In the left tower beside the machicolated gate, one can notice the look-out post
and its fire-place. The large guardhouse backing on the curtain wall is presented
as a museum with rich collections of arms and furniture from the XIIIth to the
XVIIIth century. The common-room depicts the arts and traditions of the Auvergne
folk everyday life. The ground floor houses a tools museum and the archeological
findings from the site.
The rampart walk allows a rare panoramic view over the Limagne plains, "
la chaîne des puys " and the Livradois-Forez mountain-ranges, and the
former Count of Auvergne's forests.
It is a preserved historic monument.
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