Château de Murol

About the museum

The Murol fortress rises on a basalt promontory at 1,050 metres above sea level, facing the Sancy massif. Founded in the 11th century, it guarded three important regional roads. During the Hundred Years’ War and the plague epidemics, the lords of Murol had a difficult time, but the castle was never taken by the English.

In the 1390s, Guillaume II de Murol strengthened and enlarged the fortress. Having left his life as a knight behind, he managed his estate himself for twenty years and kept two registers in which accounts, poems and memories are mixed, as well as a long autobiographical testament. These documents, preserved for six centuries, give a very precise picture of daily life in the castle and among its inhabitants.

In the 15th century and at the beginning of the 17th century, the fortress belonged to the d’Estaing family and adapted to developments in the art of war. It then gradually lost its role as a residence, serving as a refuge for brigands and later as a quarry. Listed as a historic monument in 1889, the castle was given to the Puy-de-Dôme department in 1890, which handed it over to the commune of Murol in 1953. Today, reconstructed living spaces, costumed guided tours and jousting shows evoke the court of Guillaume de Murol in 1426.

Highlights

• Double curtain wall on a basalt promontory facing the Sancy
• Reconstructed interior of the castle in the 15th century
• Guided tours by performers in costume as members of Guillaume’s court
• Equestrian jousting shows and medieval craft demonstrations
• “Medieval military service” activity for children
• Panorama over the Sancy massif

Permanent exhibition

• Le château de Guillaume de Murol en 1426 – Visit to the reconstructed living spaces of the 15th-century fortress, with costumed guided tours and jousting shows depending on the programme.

Operated by

Commune de Murol (propriétaire) ; gestion par Kléber Rossillon

Admission & discounts

Individual rates for 2026, day ticket only. Adult outside school holidays: €11.20. The castle is part of the Objectif Auvergne network: with the travel card, there is a 10% discount on the ticket from the second visit to a site in the network.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle has many stairs, and access to the lower and upper courts (basse-cour and haute-cour) is very difficult for people with reduced mobility. A free electric shuttle goes up to the castle entrance, with priority for people with disabilities, from 10:15 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:45 during the autumn holidays. Dogs are admitted on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

“Medieval military service” activity that teaches children to become little knights. Strollers are difficult to use: the castle recommends leaving them in the lower court or using a baby carrier.

Getting there & parking

The approach to the castle entrance is steep. The castle holds the Accueil Vélo label and has charging points for e-bikes.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

No food service on site; picnics are allowed. The shop is accessible every day without a visit ticket.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit