Saint-Saturnin
The village of Saint-Saturnin is located about 20km south of Clermont-Ferrand in the Puy-de-Dome department of France. It is classified as a most beautiful village of France.
The illustrious past of the village includes Catherine de Medici once holding court in the chateau poised high above the village.
When you arrive in the village, there is little to suggest the attraction of the old town above - pleasant enough, but nothing that would make you stop and look around. But be sure to take the time because Saint-Saturnin is a very attractive village!
Running up the hillside, the ancient streets lead you quickly into a small square containing the village church - a good example of the traditional roman churches of the region. There are pretty houses lining the other side of the square. There is a small street that runs along the top of the hill, with ramparts, and houses built in the ramparts, on one side; and a great drop into a valley on the other.
At the bottom of the valley is a fast moving stream, and the steep hill then rises again in front of you. It seems remarkable that the ramparts were a necessary defence, given the difficulty for an invading party to approach from below.
Saint-Saturnin castle
The peace of the village belies its past activity, and nowhere more so than in the castle. Originally constructed in the 13th century, the castle was much modified in the 15th century when it became the residence of the Count of Auvergne, chamberlain to King Louis XIV - including the turret being put on the round tower. This 'modernisation' programme resumed in the 17th century, with the refurbishment of the large interior halls.
Catherine de medici and her son Charles IX established their court in the castle at Saint-Saturnin in 1566, a trend followed by her daughter 20 years later, who ultimately gave the castle as a gift to King Louis XIII. During the years and decades that followed the chateau had a variety of uses from choclate factory to orphanage. The last owners, the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul, left in 1970.
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Tourist Classifications for Saint-Saturnin
- Most beautiful villages in France
Places to visit near Saint-Saturnin, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Saint-Saturnin.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
19 km: Chaine-des-Puys (Volcanic mountain range) 19 km: Chateau de Murol (Chateau) 14 km: Clermont-Ferrand (important regional centre) 21 km: Issoire (Attractive town) 13 km: Montpeyroux (Most beautiful village) 23 km: Mozac (Town) 19 km: Puy-de-Dome (volcanic hill) 26 km: Riom (Town of art and history) 13 km: Saint-Nectaire (Spa town) 31 km: Usson (beautiful village) 24 km: Volvic (Town and water source)
See also Saint-Saturnin (version Francais)
