Busseol Castle

Busséol Castle was built in 1170 on the still visible remains of a 2nd-century Gallo-Roman castrum, on a volcanic dike overlooking the Limagne plain, at an altitude of 700 meters. A rare example of Romanesque architecture, it has retained the military character that allowed it to withstand the siege by Philip Augustus in 1215, the assaults of the Black Prince's soldiers during the Hundred Years' War, and the attack by the Duke of La Rochefoucauld, leader of the Catholic League, in 1595. From its origins, this fortified castle belonged successively to illustrious figures: the Counts of Auvergne, Pope Alexander III, John Stuart, Prince of Scotland, Blanche of Clermont, granddaughter of Saint Louis, and others. It became part of the royal domain through Catherine de Medici, Queen of France and Countess of Auvergne, who stayed there with her son Charles IX in 1566 during their trip to Auvergne. It is thus considered the most historic castle in the province. Spared by Richelieu, it remained inhabited until the French Revolution.
In the great hall, one can admire an exceptional 12th-century circular fireplace, period furniture, and weapons and armor evoking feudal life. From the ramparts, one discovers a stunning hanging garden and a magnificent panorama stretching from the Monts du Forez to the Massif du Sancy.