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Chateau de Murol

Chateau de Murol is located north-west of Issoire and south of Clermont-Ferrand in the Puy-de-Dome department of the Auvergne.

Murol is a quiet place with a big attraction. Above the town, on one of the volcanic domes typical of the region, site the Chateau de Murol. The castle dates from the 12th century, with substantial reinforcements added two centuries later.

The views over the surrounding area are as impressive as the chateau itself - walk around the ramparts of the castle for the finest views.

During the summer the castle is promoted as an important tourist destination, with guided tours, exhibitions and re-enactments of medieval life, and sound and music shows.

The best description of the castle dates back to Guy de Maupassant, who in 1885 wrote:

It astonishes the eye more than any other ruin by its simple mass, its majesty, its grave and imposing air of antiquity. It stands there, alone, high as a mountain, a dead queen, but still the queen of the valleys stretched out beneath it. You go up by a slope planted with firs, then you enter a narrow gate, and stop at the foot of the walls, in the first enclosure, in full view of the entire country.

The nearby Lac Chambon is a good swimming lake in beautiful surroundings, a fine place to cool off after your visit.

Chateau de Murol : tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

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