Is Hérisson castle still standing or only in ruins?

Only ruins remain, listed as a historic monument since 1986.

Who destroyed Hérisson castle?

It was dismantled from 1652 onward on Mazarin's orders, after being retaken from the prince of Condé's supporters during the Fronde.

How old is Hérisson castle?

The current structure, which replaced an 11th-century castle, dates mainly from the 14th century.

Can you visit the inside of the castle?

The site consists of open-air ruins, towers, and walls, with no covered interior space.

Who maintains the castle today?

Since 2006, a local association, Sauvegarde du château féodal de Hérisson, has managed its restoration under the supervision of the historic monuments authority.

Hérisson Castle

Hérisson

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Where: Hérisson

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Château d'Hérisson stands in Hérisson (Allier), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Perched on a rocky outcrop above a bend in the Aumance river, the ruins of Hérisson castle still show their cylindrical towers and the remains of a 14th-century square keep. Once a stronghold of the dukes of Bourbon, the fortress was dismantled on Mazarin's orders after the Fronde uprising and later used as a stone quarry by local villagers. A local association has been working on its restoration since 2006, overseen by the chief architect of historic monuments. Visitors can walk through fortified enclosures, a lower courtyard, and see arrow slits over two metres tall.

Written from Château d'Hérisson

What to know

The site is visited outdoors, on rocky and uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
These are listed historic ruins, with no roofed building to visit.
Ongoing restoration work led by a local association may affect access to certain areas.
No opening hours or admission fees are given here, so check locally before visiting.
The village of Hérisson below still retains parts of its own fortified walls.

Where this château is

Hérisson · Allier · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château d'Hérisson

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Hérisson, Allier

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00093114
Period of construction: 14th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Is Hérisson castle still standing or only in ruins?: Only ruins remain, listed as a historic monument since 1986.
Who destroyed Hérisson castle?: It was dismantled from 1652 onward on Mazarin's orders, after being retaken from the prince of Condé's supporters during the Fronde.
How old is Hérisson castle?: The current structure, which replaced an 11th-century castle, dates mainly from the 14th century.
Can you visit the inside of the castle?: The site consists of open-air ruins, towers, and walls, with no covered interior space.
Who maintains the castle today?: Since 2006, a local association, Sauvegarde du château féodal de Hérisson, has managed its restoration under the supervision of the historic monuments authority.