Château de Saint-Saturnin

Château de Saint-Saturnin is a medieval fortress built on a strategic volcanic plateau and still displays prominent towers with battlements alongside thick defensive walls. A dry moat encircling the structure underscores the defensive role this location once served.

The fortress was constructed in the 13th century by the La Tour d'Auvergne family and later came under the ownership of French queens, including Catherine de Medici and Queen Margot. This royal connection shaped the location's importance through successive generations.

The chapel within the castle walls serves as a focal point where visitors can observe the religious practices that shaped daily life here over centuries. The decorations and objects inside reflect the devotion of those who lived and worked within this fortress.

The grounds are best explored on dry days when pathways are easily passable and well-defined. Sturdy footwear is recommended as walkways cross uneven volcanic stone and some areas have notable slopes.

In the 19th century the fortress became an orphanage run by the Sisters of Charity, a use that continued into the 1970s. After years of neglect, the building underwent careful restoration and now operates as a guest accommodation.