Château de La Rochelambert

Château de La Rochelambert is a medieval castle in Saint-Paulien positioned against a basalt cliff face. An octagonal tower, machicolations, and crenellated walls are the main structural features that reflect military construction techniques of the Middle Ages.

Pierre de la Rochelambert founded this fortress in 1164 on a naturally defended site. The castle passed through the family's hands for over 750 years until a change of ownership occurred in 1922.

The interior holds a collection of sculptures, tapestries, and furniture from the Romanesque through Gothic periods. These objects reflect the tastes and lives of the families who inhabited the castle over many centuries.

The castle is open for guided tours from May through October, with limited winter hours and closures on Mondays. Plan your visit during the warmer months when access is more regular and tours run throughout the day.

Novelist George Sand visited the castle in 1859 and later used it as inspiration for her novel Jean de la Roche. This connection to French literature adds a personal layer to understanding the site.

Location: Saint-Paulien

GPS coordinates: 45.12385,3.79097

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03