Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Castle · Le Puy-en-Velay, Auvérnia-Ródano-Alpes
Forteresse de Polignac
The ruins of the fortress of the viscounts of Polignac, on a basalt plateau 5 km from Le Puy, with the keep and the view over the valley.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Forteresse de Polignac
The Fortress of Polignac stands 5 km northwest of Le Puy, atop a basalt platform, the remnant of an ancient volcanic flow. The top, almost flat, measures about 120 by 90 metres and is surrounded by cliffs of roughly 100 metres, except to the north where three lines of walls protected the entrance.
The castle is mentioned from the 10th century and was the residence of the viscounts of Polignac, one of the most powerful families of the Velay, until the early 17th century. Its position controlled the routes between Le Puy and the region's former capital.
Today the walls, parts of the buildings and the keep remain; the keep can be climbed to see the Polignac valley, Le Puy and the surrounding mountains. In the courtyard there is a deep well dug into the rock.
The village of Polignac, at the foot of the rock, has a Romanesque church and stone streets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon on clear days to see the valley from the top of the keep. The fortress is open in season, from spring to autumn, with hours that vary by month: check ahead.
How to get there
It is 5 km from Le Puy, about a 10-minute drive, with parking in the village of Polignac. From the car park you walk up to the entrance.
Tip
Go at the end of the day and also view the fortress from the road to Le Puy: the rock with the walls on top is one of the region's most striking images.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Forteresse de Polignac
Is the fortress of Polignac far from Le Puy?
No, 5 km away, about a 10-minute drive.
What can you see on the visit?
The walls, the keep which can be climbed, the well dug into the rock, and the view of the valley and Le Puy.
Is the fortress open year-round?
No: it is open in season, from spring to autumn, with variable hours. Check ahead.