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Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne: A Journey Through Auvergne's Castle Heritage

Discover the historical and architectural treasures of Auvergne through its magnificent châteaux and fortresses. Explore themed routes and experience French history.

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The Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne is an association of castle owners in the Auvergne region of France, encompassing the Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, and Haute-Loire departments. It promotes the rich historical, artistic, and architectural heritage of the area through themed routes and events.

A brief summary to Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne

Local tips

  • Check the official website for the brochure (available in 2025) presenting all the members of the Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne.
  • If you're interested in visiting a specific castle or booking it for an event (wedding, professional event, etc.), contact the castle directly for more information.
  • Consider purchasing a 'pass' offering discounted entry to multiple châteaux to save money if you plan to visit several castles.
  • Many of the châteaux are only open during certain months (typically April to October), so check opening times in advance.
  • Explore the regional cuisine! Many castles are near local restaurants where you can savor traditional Auvergnat dishes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne's office is located in Clermont-Ferrand. From the Clermont-Ferrand train station, take the tram line A towards 'La Pardieu'. Get off at the 'Gaillard' stop. From there, it's approximately a 5-minute walk to 14 Rue Neyron. A single tram ticket costs €1.60 and is valid for one hour.

  • Walking

    From Place de Jaude, a central square in Clermont-Ferrand, walk northeast along Rue du Onze Novembre. Turn right onto Rue Neyron. The office is located at number 14. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. Cost: Free.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From the Clermont-Ferrand train station, a taxi or ride-share to 14 Rue Neyron typically costs between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and the time of day. The journey takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Cost: €8-€12

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking options are available near the Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne office. The closest parking garage is Parking Saint-Pierre, which is a 5 minute walk. Expect to pay around €2.20 per hour, or €13 for 24 hours. Cost: Approximately €2.20/hour, €13/day.

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Discover more about Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne

The Route Historique des Châteaux d'Auvergne (Historical Route of the Castles of Auvergne) is your gateway to exploring the heart of France's castle country. This association brings together owners of 46 castles located within the four departments of Auvergne: Allier, Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, and Haute-Loire. These castles welcome between 350,000 and 400,000 visitors each year. Rather than a single route, it's a network of themed itineraries designed to showcase the diverse tourist attractions of the Auvergne region. These circuits guide you through the Bourbonnais, the Limagnes, the Volcanos and Combrailles, the Livradois-Forez, the Montagnes Cantaliennes and the Haute-Loire. Each castle has its own unique history, architectural style, and admission policy. Visiting these castles offers a glimpse into the lives of knights, lords, and the struggles of bygone eras. From medieval fortresses perched atop volcanic peaks to Renaissance residences nestled in valleys, each location provides a unique perspective on the architecture and construction styles of its time. Many castles host events, exhibitions and concerts. Some even offer accommodations in the form of gîtes and B&Bs, allowing you to experience life in a castle. While the association's office is located in Clermont-Ferrand, the castles themselves are spread throughout the Auvergne region.

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