Château d'Aulteribe, Auvergne Travel Guide

Château d'Aulteribe, located in the commune of Sermentizon in the Puy-de-Dôme department, stands as a remarkable testament to French history and artistry. This château is renowned as one of the best-furnished castles in France, boasting a rich collection of artifacts and artworks dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries.The earliest mention of Aulteribe dates back to the 13th century, with the Cholet family as its first known owners. In 1467, Charles Motier de La Fayette fortified the site, adding archers and cannon emplacements. Over the centuries, the château passed through several prominent families, including the Montboissiers. In 1775, Jacques de Pierre acquired the estate, and his descendants, particularly Joseph de Pierre and his wife, Marie Pauline Henriette Onslow, significantly shaped its character in the Romantic style.The collections within the château are of exceptional quality, featuring furniture from the finest Parisian workshops of the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can admire Flemish and Aubusson tapestries, antique paintings, and exquisite Chinese porcelain. A highlight is the portrait of Cardinal Richelieu by Philippe de Champaigne. The last private owners, Henry de Pierre and his wife Antonia de Smet de Naeyer, bequeathed the château to the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques in 1954.Today, Château d'Aulteribe is managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux and is open to the public. The château also hosts a unique professional training program in cabinetmaking, perpetuating the tradition of furniture restoration. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the château's history and collections. The surrounding park is freely accessible, inviting visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.