Can visitors climb to the top of the keep at Polignac castle?

Yes, a spiral staircase of 144 steps leads to the top of the keep, which rises about 32 metres above the site.

Is Polignac castle a ruin?

The curtain wall and keep are well preserved, but the former seigneurial buildings inside the enclosure are ruined.

When was Polignac castle listed as a historic monument?

It has been listed since 1840, under the first inventory drawn up under Prosper Mérimée.

How do you get to Polignac castle?

A single spiralling path climbs from the east side of the hill, following the route of the former fortified gates.

Château de Polignac

Polignac Castle

Polignac

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Visit duration: 90 min
Where: Polignac

Hours and prices not verified at the source yet.Check on the official website

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Open within 20 km

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This week in the agenda

Guided tour of the Maison forte de la BorieSun, Sep 20 · château de la Borie29 km

Château de Polignac stands in Polignac (Haute-Loire), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 12th century, 16th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

Polignac castle stands on a basalt platform above the valley of the same name, a few kilometres from Le Puy-en-Velay. A walk along the crenellated curtain wall leads to the 12th-century keep, known as the 'grosse tour', where a spiral staircase climbs to a viewpoint over the Puy basin. The site recalls the viscounts of Polignac, who ruled the Velay region for centuries, and the visit of King Francis I in 1532.

Written from Château de Polignac (Haute-Loire)

What to know

The visit centres on the ruins and the keep, reached via a spiral staircase of 144 steps.
Access follows a single spiralling path from the east, the former fortified approach with several gates.
The monument has been listed as a historic monument since 1840.
Most buildings outside the keep and curtain wall are in ruins, so the visit involves walking on uneven ground.
Restoration work continues today under a dedicated foundation.

Practical information

Opening hours

July-August: 9h00-19h00 (dernière entrée à 18h)
1st September to 24th October: 9h30-12h00 et 13h30-18h00 (dernière entrée à 17h)

Visit duration: 90 min
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

On site

Gift shop
Child-friendly

Where this château is

Polignac · Haute-Loire · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château de Polignac

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Pl. Princesse de Polignac, 43000 Polignac

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

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Château phone number

+33 4 71 04 06 04

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.6 / 5from 3,073 Google reviews

Heritage status: Listed historic monument (classé); Mérimée record PA00092727
Period of construction: 12th century, 16th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

Can visitors climb to the top of the keep at Polignac castle?: Yes, a spiral staircase of 144 steps leads to the top of the keep, which rises about 32 metres above the site.
Is Polignac castle a ruin?: The curtain wall and keep are well preserved, but the former seigneurial buildings inside the enclosure are ruined.
When was Polignac castle listed as a historic monument?: It has been listed since 1840, under the first inventory drawn up under Prosper Mérimée.
How do you get to Polignac castle?: A single spiralling path climbs from the east side of the hill, following the route of the former fortified gates.