Located on its rocky outcrop (723 m), in the town of Retournac, the castle of Artias, in the center of the mountains, Miaune and Madeleine, stands above the meanders of the Loire.
Already known at the end of the 10th century, it is one of the oldest castles in Velay. The Romanesque chapel dates from the 12th century (very beautiful entrance gate)! A reception house houses many medieval objects found on the site and hosts exhibitions of contemporary objects. Visit the botanical garden and below the house of the bailiff and the renovated well. New: bread oven rebuilt in dry stone, garden of remembrance, preservation of the Saint-Denis Chapel..
On one of the paths of St Jacques de Compostela coming from Cluny (by Montarcher), it is joined by the GR 765, via Podiensis.
It is on stage n° 15 of the GR.
Accessible as a self-guided tour throughout the year, guided tours can be requested in advance from the Les amis d'Artias association.
On one of the paths of St Jacques de Compostela coming from Cluny (by Montarcher), it is joined by the GR 765, via Podiensis.
It is on stage n° 15 of the GR.
Accessible as a self-guided tour throughout the year, guided tours can be requested in advance from the Les amis d'Artias association.
Further information) :
Take advantage of the activities organized in July and August (Artias treasure hunt games every Tuesday morning for children), during leisure tickets during school holidays all year round (except December)…and for Halloween…
We also organize during the year: concerts, plays, exhibitions, egg hunts, etc. New: Come celebrate your birthday with your friends and family in the form of a treasure hunt game (all year round by reservation €40 per activity).
The Association has opened the children's office: an original idea to involve them and develop new ideas and entertainment projects....
We also organize during the year: concerts, plays, exhibitions, egg hunts, etc. New: Come celebrate your birthday with your friends and family in the form of a treasure hunt game (all year round by reservation €40 per activity).
The Association has opened the children's office: an original idea to involve them and develop new ideas and entertainment projects....
Portrait
Association 1901 maintaining, enhancing, animation of a municipal heritage.
Video
Themes:
Location details
6 km from the town center, direction Vousse/Cottier – after the town hall, drive for 200 meters and at the roundabout turn left…..
Visit
Customers
Language(s) of the visit
English, Spanish, French
Individual visit services
- Unguided individual tours permanently
- Guided individual tours on request
Group visit services
- Unguided group tours permanently
- Guided group tours on request
Opening
| Opening hours on December 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open |
Volunteers often on site. If the opportunity arises, you can visit the museum.
Guided tours for groups by reservation or self-guided tours for individuals….
Free on all.
During school holidays, treasure hunts, €5 per child.
Possibility of treasure hunts for individuals on request.
Easter Monday egg hunt, €5.
Prices
Donations and contributions are welcome to help maintain the site…
Membership in the association (from €25 to €45) is possible all year round and gives the right to a tax deduction….
Membership in the association (from €25 to €45) is possible all year round and gives the right to a tax deduction….
Services
Equipments
Services
Activities on site
- Animation
- Children's entertainment
- Concert
- Botanical route
Home animals