Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Saint-Saturnin, built in the 13th century in the eponymous village of Puy-de-Dôme, is a characteristic medieval fortress with a triple enclosure, crenellated towers and mâchicoulis. Modified in the 14th and 15th centuries by the Barons of La Tour d'Auvergne, it overlooks the gorges of La Monne by 40 meters, offering a strategic panorama of the surroundings. His dungeon and round path, still visible, testify to his initial defensive role.

In 1519, Catherine de Medici, Countess of Auvergne, acquired the castle and brought there major beautifications, including a French garden still present. The site welcomed the royal court in 1566, during a stay of Charles IX and his mother, then Queen Margot in 1586 before her exile. After moving to Broglie's family in 1668, he changed his vocation in the 19th and 20th centuries: he was transformed into a chocolate factory, an orphanage, and then a house of convalescence by the Sisters of Saint Vincent and Paul.

Protected as early as 1889 (partial classification of historical monuments), the castle saw its moats, walls and gardens registered in 1992. In the 21st century, it is converted into guest rooms, combining medieval heritage and contemporary use, while preserving the traces of its architectural and social metamorphoses.

Its history reflects the political and cultural evolutions of the Auvergne, from medieval lords to the Renaissance, until its adaptation to modern needs, while preserving its identity as an emblematic fortress of the region.

Future

The castle of Saint Saturnin became a guest house within a powerful 13th century castle. Built on top of a fortified village, by the family of La Tour d'Auvergne, the castle has entered history thanks to Catherine de Medici and Marguerite de Valois. Successive transformations until the 17th century, added elegance and brightness and enriched it with beautiful gardens that open onto the Auvergnat landscape.
Today, the owners, passionate and very involved in its restoration, welcome you to their charming guest house and share with you the history of this unique home.
In summer, the freshness of the rooms is ensured naturally by the thickness of the walls: 2.5 to 3.5 m.

External links