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Chateau d'Alleuze, Alleuze

4.5

Must see · Castle · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot

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The Château d'Alleuze is a ruined castle situated in the commune of Alleuze, in the Cantal département of France.
Built in the 13th century by the constables of Auvergne, it belonged to the bishops of Clermont. During the Hundred Years War it was seized for the English by Bernard de Garlan. For seven years, he sowed terror throughout the region, pillaging and holding to ransom. To avoid troubles from any Garlan successors, the inhabitants of Saint-Flour burned down the castle in 1405. Monseigneur De la Tour, owner of the castle, was very upset with this gesture, and obliged the Sanflorains to rebuild it on the original plan. It was taken by Huguenots in 1575. The towers were used as jails by the bishops of Clermont.
The castle is built on a square plan, with round towers in each corner, characteristic of the 14th century. It includes a chapel, Saint-Illide, built in the 13th and 15th centuries.
Today, the edifice is maintained as a ruin and has been listed, along with the chapel, since 1927 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

According to the Michelin Green Guide to the Auvergne and Rhône Valley, which rates it as two stars ("worth a detour"), "There can scarcely be another beauty spot in the Auvergne as romantic as the site of this castle."

Take a look at our Alleuze trip planning tool to schedule your visit to Chateau d'Alleuze and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.
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Chateau d'Alleuze reviews

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49 reviews

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4.6

By Neighbor2

No other words: extraordinary place in an extraordinary setting. Be sure to climb up to the old chateau and then visit the church and graveyard opposite.

No other words: extraordinary place in an extraordinary setting. Be sure to climb up to the old chateau and then visit the church and graveyard opposite. more »
By mikejD1275TL

This is probably best viewed from the top od the hill by the church in La Barge where you can see the 7 crosses down the hillside on the old pilgrim route. It is truly bewitching when the misty...

This is probably best viewed from the top od the hill by the church in La Barge where you can see the 7 crosses down the hillside on the old pilgrim route. It is truly bewitching when the misty... more »
By 440olivr

I liked the cute little fortress on top of a rock overlooking the river on a bright sunny day. Free. A piece of Scotland... 40 min return walk from the restaurant. Do it before lunch 😉

I liked the cute little fortress on top of a rock overlooking the river on a bright sunny day. Free. A piece of Scotland... 40 min return walk from the restaurant. Do it before lunch 😉 more »

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By Edward Gray

Fantastic ruins of a medieval castle.

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By Charles BEUZIT

An old castle to visit from the lake or the road. A ruin but free and in a magnificient site, must see near St-Flour.

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By Carlos Pérez

Beautiful, the remains of the castle and the enclave in which it is located. You can enter freely and it is accessed with some ease after climbing a small path with some stones. It is worth making a stop along the way or taking a detour to appreciate its beauty and imagine what it must have been like one day.

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By Brigitte Gandon

I enjoyed myself, liking old castles, this one is pretty well ''preserved''. A little restoration would do it good to limit the damage of the years On the other hand, I looked for its history ..... not found ... Too bad

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By Filip Kempeneers

Impressive ruin in a beautiful location. Many elements are recognizable. Just a pity that there is no information available on the site itself.

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