Chateau Dauphin

The Sentinel of the Auvergne Volcanoes Located in Pontgibaud, in the Puy-de-Dôme department, Château Dauphin is one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Lower Auvergne. Built in the 12th century by Robert Dauphin, Count of Clermont, to control the Sioule Valley, this fortified castle impresses with its massive structure of lava stone (andesite), which gives it the characteristic gray color of buildings in the region. Unlike many fortresses transformed during the Renaissance, Château Dauphin has retained its proud defensive appearance with its circular keep, curtain walls, and six towers, all perfectly restored. Still inhabited by the same family since 1756, it offers an intimate glimpse into the history of the Auvergne nobility. A visit to Château Dauphin is a journey through a richly furnished interior where historical mementos mingle with a unique collection of objects related to the silver-lead mines of Pontgibaud, which once brought wealth to the region. The tour takes you through state rooms, a monumental kitchen, and private apartments that exude authenticity. But the charm of the site also lies in its grounds: its listed historic kitchen garden, a true French formal garden, offers a delicate contrast between the starkness of the lava stone and the lushness of the flower and vegetable gardens. It is a major cultural and botanical destination at the foot of the Chaîne des Puys, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.