The impregnable medieval fortress of Polignac is an exceptional monument at the gates of Puy-en-Velay. Anchored in the heritage of the Velay region, this thousand-year-old castle has stood the test of time and eras. Today it remains the witness of a rich and eventful history. Prized for its imposing keep, the fortress invites you to visit to reveal many secrets. !
VISIT THE IMPOSING FORTRESS OF POLIGNAC!
Standing on an impressive basalt base, the building offers a striking spectacle. From its platform, the site invites you to marvel at its unparalleled panorama of the region.
The platform on which the fortress is installed impresses with its extent of almost 3 hectares. Polignac, which is already a feast for the eyes from the outside, offers from its platform a panorama that will charm everyone: the Puy-en-Velay basin stretches out before your eyes and in the distance are the Velay mountains , the Meygal and Mézenc massifs which delight the pupils
14 points of interest to discover
Get to the Fortress of Polignac is already an adventure. 14 points of interest punctuate the visit with vestiges of medieval history and in particular its access path and its fortified gates.
The Mousetrap, the guardhouse, the medieval-inspired gardens, the lordship, the walkway and the forge are all curiosities to admire before climbing into the impressive keep built in the 32th century. From the top of its 360 meters, it offers a XNUMX° view of the Velay landscapes
Polignac, the most beautiful village in France
Polignac is classified among The Most Beautiful Villages of France. Historical, volcanic and natural characterize this small village of Velay which reveals its fortress but also the Saint-Martin church, a beautiful architectural unit, which notably contains remarkable wall paintings from the 12th and 14th centuries. Polignac is a crossroads for hiking on the way to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, that of Saint-Michel and many other routes will allow you to discover the 17 hamlets of the commune.
The Polignac family and the History of France
The Fortress has belonged to the Polignac family for almost 1000 years. The different lords have marked not only the History of Velay but also the History of France! In the XNUMXth century, the rock housed wooden buildings used to defend the northwest entrance to the town of Puy-en-Velay. It was at the end of the XNUMXth century that the Viscounts Armand took over the place and took the name of the village, Polignac. Little by little the Fortress will rise and remain the allegory of the power of the Lords of Polignac.
VISIT WITH PASS' CARD IN VELAY
Pass' Card in Velay is a single, pre-paid ticket that gives access to 3 or 5 visits during your stay.
For a single shared ticket, you visit at a preferential rate:
- The Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe rock and its chapel
- The Notre-Dame de France statue
- The Fortress of Polignac
- The Crozatier museum
- The cloister of Puy-en-Velay Cathedral
PRACTICAL TIPS
Where is the Polignac fortress located?
The fortress is located in the town of Polignac, 5 minutes from Puy-en-Velay.
Who built the Polignac fortress?
In the 10th century, the rock housed wooden buildings used to defend the northwest entrance to the town of Puy-en-Velay. It was at the end of the 11th century that the Viscounts Armand took over the place and took the name of the village, Polignac. Little by little the Fortress will rise and remain the allegory of the power of the Lords of Polignac.
Who owns the Polignac fortress?
The Fortress of Polignac is still part of the heritage of the Polignac family through the Fondation Forteresse de Polignac, created in 1998 by Princess Constance de Polignac. It has been managed since 2012 by the Forteresse Polignac Patrimoine Association made up of the main players in the municipality's territory.
How long does the visit to the Polignac fortress last?
It takes around 2 hours to visit to enjoy the secrets of the Polignac fortress and its dungeon.
OPENINGS
PRICES
| Pricing | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult |
6 € | Not disclosed |
| Reduced price |
4 € | Not disclosed |
| Adult group |
4 € | Not disclosed |
To discover…
Around the Polignac fortress
