Exploring a 1,000 Year-Old Castle: Forteresse de Polignac in Auvergne, FRANCE

I have said this a million times before and I will say it again - France truly is a magical place where within a 20 minute car ride from wherever you are, there is something equally beautiful and interesting to explore!

The specific location I’m referring to in our 20-minute drive is Forteresse de Polignac. 5 kilometers northwest of Le Puy en Velay in the Auvergne Region of France, this 1,000 year old fortress built on top of ancient volcanic rocks is home to a few figures that played quite an interesting role in French history. Hence, in addition to A Day Trip to La Chaise-Dieu and Chavaniac-Laffayette when in Auvergne, be sure to also visit the Forteresse de Polignac when you are visiting the region!

My vlog about this oil paint-esque village and castle!

Eglise de Saint Martin (St. Martin’s Church)

Like most castles or fortresses, the Forteresse de Polignac is the prime residence and watch-tower of the small village, Polignac. Set on top of a hill, the Village of Polignac is also home to the Eglise de Saint Martin (St. Martin’s Church) that dates back to 1062. The church features frescos that have been preserved from the 12th-century still on display on its walls and ceilings.

Panoramic view of Eglise de Saint Martin and Village of Polignac in Auvergne, France

Interior of Eglise de Saint Martin at Village de Polignac, Auvergne, France

Forteresse de Polignac

A grande elongated rectangular tower sitting on top of the hill in the Village of Polignac, the Forteresse de Polignac was built more than 1,000 years ago. It was formally 3 stories tall, in which the first floor was the dining and kitchen area, second floor for the female head of the house as a bedroom, and the 3rd floor as the grand master bedroom for the male head of the house. The structure was more functional than beautiful and only the first floor was preserved for viewing.

Fun times at the Forteresse de Polignac, Auvergne, France!

Interior of Forteresse de Polignac, Auvergne, France

Duchess of Polignac

The most famous member of the Polignac family is perhaps the Duchess of Polignac, Yolande de Polastron, whose husband, Jules de Polignac is the first Duke of the family. The Duchess was considered one of the great beauties pre-French Revolution and was said to be the favorite of Queen Marie Antoinette. I was googling her and there are even a few historical accounts saying that it was rumored at the time that she may have been Queen Marie Antoinette’s lesbian lover. However, that was never officially proven.

The rumor may have started due to the fact that she was not only beautiful, a favorite of the Queen, who was not exactly the most popular person in France at the time, and she was also known for her extravagant lifestyle (although that is also disputed by some sources). Long story short, the girl had a lot of haters!

She was appointed the Governess to the Children of France (children of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette) in 1872, and as a result, was given a 13-room apartment for herself in the Palace of Versaille.

Exterior Garden and Landscape of Polignac

Accompanied by an adorable Medieval Herb Garden, the exterior of the Forteresse sits on top of the volcanic hill and provides 360-degree view of its surrounding countryside and the city of Le Puy en Valey. Because I went during the summer, some of the millet fields were just turning golden brown, patched next to the fresh green corn or vegetable fields. The breathtaking beauty truly feels like walking into an iconic 18th-century countryside themed oil painting!