Ainay le Vieil Castle

Located 10 km south of Saint-Amand-Montrond on the RN 144 towards Montluçon, the Château d'Ainay-le-Vieil is a 14th-century fortress with a complete enclosure supported by nine towers and enclosed by a powerful gatehouse. The enclosure protects a residence richly decorated with Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance sculptures. Inside, magnificent rooms feature impressive fireplaces, one bearing the royal coat of arms, as well as a Renaissance oratory adorned with 16th- and 17th-century murals. Numerous rare historical mementos, including those of the royal family, Colbert, and Napoleon, are on display. The English-style park features moats and canals, a rose garden of old roses, and themed gardens laid out within the walls of 17th-century Carthusian monks.

Open to the public from February 1st to December 1st.