Who rebuilt the castle in the 14th and 15th centuries?

Successive dukes of Bourbon: Louis II from the late 14th century, then Charles I around 1450-1456, Jean II and Pierre II through the early 16th century.

Why was the castle abandoned?

After the defection of the Constable of Bourbon in 1523, the castle deteriorated. The town took possession in 1749 and converted it to public grounds before establishing its administrative services there.

What is the restored wooden gallery?

An external first-floor gallery adorned with Saint-Andrew's cross railings, completely rebuilt in 1931 based on original foundations and a 1749 drawing.

The Dukes of the Bourbon castle in Montluçon

Montluçon

Access

No visits on recordNo opening hours or ticketing found

Where: Montluçon

To make a day of it

Open within 20 km

Château de la Crête (Crête Castle)Open to visitors14 km

Sleep nearby

Château des ducs de Bourbon à Montluçon stands in Montluçon (Allier), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument. No visits are on record for this building.

A former residence of the dukes of Bourbon, this castle sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking Montluçon. Built from the late 14th century through the early 16th century, it retains its imposing curtain wall flanked by nine cylindrical towers, a square keep, and interior halls with monumental fireplaces. After serving as a barracks in the 19th century, it underwent restoration between 1930 and 1933 and remains a major witness to late medieval military and residential architecture.

What to know

The castle was transferred to the town of Montluçon in 1749 and served multiple purposes: public residence, administrative seat, then barracks until 1913.
The square keep at the southern end contains six rooms on three levels, accessed by a spiral staircase leading to the crenellated platform.
The clock tower dates from the mid-15th century and served as the town's belfry, integrated into the castle's eastern side.
The external gallery overlooking the esplanade, in Gothic style with Saint-Andrew's cross railings, was fully reconstructed in 1931 based on 18th-century documents.
The interior features Gothic vaults with sculpted keys, massive fireplaces, and a ship's keel-shaped timber frame in the great hall on the second floor.

Where this château is

Montluçon · Allier · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château des ducs de Bourbon à Montluçon

Loading the map…

This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Montluçon, Allier

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

Get directions View on a map

Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA00093166

Frequently asked

Who rebuilt the castle in the 14th and 15th centuries?: Successive dukes of Bourbon: Louis II from the late 14th century, then Charles I around 1450-1456, Jean II and Pierre II through the early 16th century.
Why was the castle abandoned?: After the defection of the Constable of Bourbon in 1523, the castle deteriorated. The town took possession in 1749 and converted it to public grounds before establishing its administrative services there.
What is the restored wooden gallery?: An external first-floor gallery adorned with Saint-Andrew's cross railings, completely rebuilt in 1931 based on original foundations and a 1749 drawing.