Is there an entrance fee for the château de Varennes?

No, the site is freely accessible with no admission charge.

Can you visit the inside of the château?

No, only ruined remains survive, with no interior to see.

How old is the château de Varennes?

Its origins date back to the 12th century, when it was first built in timber.

Is the site easy to reach?

You need to walk up a sloping path from the village of Chambon-sur-Lac.

Château de Varennes

Varennes Castle

Chambon-sur-Lac

Visit

Hours to be confirmed

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Where: Chambon-sur-Lac

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

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Sleep nearby

château de Montfleury (Montfleury Castle)Accommodation on site28 km

Château de Varennes stands in Chambon-sur-Lac (Puy-de-Dôme), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The château de Varennes stands in ruins above Lac Chambon and the village of Chambon-sur-Lac, in the Puy-de-Dôme department. Built in the 12th century, this former medieval fortress began as a timber structure before being rebuilt in sancyite, a local volcanic stone. The site, now owned by the commune, is mainly visited for its view over the lake and the surrounding valley.

Written from Château de Varennes (Chambon-sur-Lac)

What to know

This is an open-air ruin, with no enclosed building to tour.
Reaching it means walking up a path from the village, so sturdy shoes are advisable.
There are no set opening hours or admission fees, as the site is freely accessible.
The visit mainly consists of viewing the remains and the panorama over Lac Chambon.
Rainy days are best avoided, since the path can become slippery.

Where this château is

Chambon-sur-Lac · Puy-de-Dôme · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château de Varennes

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

chemin du château, 63790 Chambon-sur-Lac

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

Get directions View on a map

Château phone number

+33 6 38 83 12 02

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

4.1 / 5from 58 Google reviews

Heritage status: Protection status unknown

In pictures

Frequently asked

Is there an entrance fee for the château de Varennes?: No, the site is freely accessible with no admission charge.
Can you visit the inside of the château?: No, only ruined remains survive, with no interior to see.
How old is the château de Varennes?: Its origins date back to the 12th century, when it was first built in timber.
Is the site easy to reach?: You need to walk up a sloping path from the village of Chambon-sur-Lac.