Château La Roche-Aigueperse

On the border between Auvergne and Bourbonnais, this feudal castle, built between the 11th and 17th centuries, was captured by the English during the Hundred Years' War, before being gloriously besieged by the armies of the King of France and returned to the Lord of Montpensier. The castle was also the residence of Michel de l'Hôpital, Chancellor of France from 1560 to 1573. The main courtyard is enclosed by a remarkable balustrade made of Volvic volcanic stone. It offers a splendid view of the surrounding valleys. A perfect example of defensive architecture up to the end of the 15th century, the castle is also admirably decorated in an 18th-century style.