Perched on a volcanic mound serving as its pedestal and unique element of defence, the Polignac fortress is the birthplace of one of the most illustrious families in the history of France: the Polignac. From up there, the spectacle is striking… A real treat for the eyes. Located northeast of the town of Puy-en-Velay, its platform surrounded by steep cliffs also offers a unique 360° panorama of the region.
An exciting circuit runs through the remains of the fortress to discover this exceptional site: the 32 m keep, the chapel, the main courtyard, the farmyard and the walkway on which you can wander freely. In all, 14 points of interest lead us to discover this magnificent site of 3 hectares. To purchase entrance tickets, go to Place Princesse de Polignac, at the foot of the ramparts.
A fortress visited by François 1er in 1533
The fortress which receives the visit of François 1er in 1533, was abandoned in the 17th century in favor of the castle of Lavoute-Polignac, new residence of a family whose many members marked thehistory of France. Among them, the Duchess of Polignac favorite of Queen Marie-Antoinette, but also the Cardinal of Polignac French ambassador to Poland and Rome, or even Prince Jules de Polignac, minister of Charles X.
