Chateaugay Castle

This fortified castle, which so magnificently rises above its village, is the famous Château de Vigosche, now known as Chateaugay. It boasts beautiful medieval and Renaissance architecture. The 14th-century keep, completely intact, has never been restored. From the top of 162 steps, one can admire the Chaîne des Puys mountain range, the Limagne plain, and the village of Tournoël. This cheerful castle has also witnessed some dark events: Pierre II de Giac poisoned his wife, mistress of John the Fearless, in 1426.

To preserve a more pleasant memory of this place, one need only turn to the wine of Chateaugay, which Henry IV, it is said, held in high esteem. The Gaycoeur wine cellar, on the ground floor of the keep, offers sales and tastings of this Auvergne "nectar."