Château de Bourbon-l'Archambault

Bourbon-l'Archambault

Breached ramparts that still overlook the little spa town, a relic of the fallen Capetian grandeur of the House of Bourbon.

Recorded as early as 947, this fortress built on a rocky spur above the Burge was the cradle of the House of Bourbon, which was to give thirteen kings to France and Spain. Rebuilt in stone from the 12th century and then given an imposing north front of bossed masonry between 1277 and 1287, it retains today only three cylindrical towers, among them the south-east tower known as "Qui-qu'en-Grogne", topped by an 18th-century campanile. The site owes its ancient name, Aquae Bormonis, to the thermal springs that still gush at the foot of the castle. Madame de Montespan and Madame de Sévigné came here to take waters reputed to rival those of Vichy.

Getting there : Remains listed as a monument historique by decree of 1862; the tower known as "Qui-qu'en-Grogne" listed in 1961. Ruins freely accessible, overlooking the spa town.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound