Murol castle

The Château de Murol rises on a basalt outcrop above Lac Chambon and once controlled several roads. According to Wikipedia the first castle dates from the 12th century; Guillaume de Sam strengthened it in the 14th century, and through a marriage it passed to the d’Estaing family in the 15th century. It later served as a prison for many years and fell into ruin in the 19th century. It has been a listed monument since 1889 and belongs to the commune.

In reconstructed rooms such as the cellar, bakery, kitchen, banqueting hall and bedchamber, costumed guides show daily life in the 15th century; the programme also includes knights’ combats. From the wall-walk and the keep the view stretches across the Massif du Sancy. Allow one to two and a half hours, depending on the programme. The approach is steep. Programmes and times change, so please check in advance (as of October 2026).