In the heart of the Pays d'Urfé, in the town of Champoly, the Château d'Urfé is a medieval building which will offer you a magnificent panorama of the surrounding mountains. Built between the XIIe and the XVIe century, it was born from the desire to observe the region from an exceptional belvedere.
Built more than 900 years ago, Urfé Castle has suffered the ravages of time but nonetheless remains a magnificent monument set in an exceptional natural site.
It is located at an altitude of 930 meters, between Forez, Auvergne and Bourbonnais. This fortress was erected in the heart of the Loire, between the XNUMXe and XVe centuries, on one of the western borders of the county of Forez.
The site offers an exceptional panorama from the top of the tower where ten panels of enamelled lava make it easy to locate. It is one of the rare places in France where, on a clear day, in the morning, you can observe the Puy-de-Dôme and the Mont Blanc massif simultaneously.
Symbol and pride of a territory, every summer, passionate volunteers from all over the world restore the castle. Its romantic ruins breathe centuries of history. They still shelter many mysteries and are the scene of new adventures which give them a second breath.
Visit the castle d'Urfe
The site is accessible free of charge all year round and to go further, note that QR Codes are found everywhere on the site. They will allow you to take a self-guided tour and discover, in a fun way, the heritage and history of this castle. The opportunity to have a good time with family.
And if you prefer to put technology aside and recharge your batteries in this natural site, you will also find explanatory panels and flyers on site to discover the particularities of the site, the arboretum ...
Guided tours for groups and individuals are also possible depending on the availability of the animators and the seasons.
The Château d'Urfé is one of the "Mysteries of the mounts of the Madeleine ". To get the grimoire and identify all the “mystery” sites, visit our online store or one of our tourist offices.
In July 2022, the castle celebrated its 40th anniversary
The Renaissance d'Urfé association celebrated its 40th anniversary! 40 years of volunteer work to safeguard the remains of the castle and its accessibility to the public. From July 16 to 24, the castle site lived to the rhythm of a medieval camp of around thirty enthusiasts. On the program for example:
- Discovery of period crafts,
- Baking breads and focaccia,
- Musical entertainment.
The most beautiful points of view
- The top of the keep offers an exceptional 360 ° panorama of the region, enough to take impressive photos. Wow effect guaranteed!
- Take a selfie using the giant photo frame with the view of the castle in the background.
- For photography enthusiasts, we advise you to come and discover the site on a beautiful starry night. You will be amazed ...
The castle on the hiking trails
Notice to walkers, the Château d'Urfé is also a remarkable stopover point for your next hike. The Pays d'Urfé hiking guide offers three routes (available at our tourist offices and online):
- The Horns of Urfé of 7 km
- The Bois des Côtes of 13 km
- 15 km Way of the 19 Crosses
And for mountain bikers, the site is in the heart of the Bois Noirs forest, the largest FFC mountain biking area in France. So go ahead and get on your mountain bikes!
Key figures
- 18 meters, this is the height of the tower and 2,4 meters is the thickness of its walls
- From 40 years, over 900 national and international volunteers have followed one another to restore the castle.
A special aura of mysteries and stories surrounds the site. Partially in ruins, the castle gives way to the imagination and to romanticism, as beautiful and mesmerizing under the sun as it is shrouded in fog. The Château d'Urfé never tires of its admirers and each time turns out to be different. The atmosphere is indescribable and worth the detour!
Pauline Grandjean
An association that works for the Renaissance of Urfé
The association for the Renaissance of Urfé aims to safeguard the remains of the castle, the maintenance and development of the surroundings of the building, the preservation and cultural enhancement of the site.
It is part of the REMPART federation (rehabilitation and maintenance of artistic heritage monuments). Every summer, from mid-July to mid-August, the association organizes volunteer projects to restore this mecca of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Are you a student, a craftsman or just a volunteer? Make yourself known to the association: registration@gmail.com.
![Château des Cornes d'Urfé au printemps]()
Château d'Urfé in spring © Clovis Huet / RT ![Le château des Cornes d'Urfé]()
The d'Urfé castle © Madame Oreille / RT
The history of the castle d'Urfe
Built in the XNUMXth centurye century, the keep had for function the protection, the intimidation and the affirmation of the power of the Lord of Beaujeu. Indeed, the latter wanted to closely monitor his enemy, the Count of Forez. The custody of this building was then entrusted to the Raybe d'Urfé family.
In the XVe century, for military and political purposes the castle is enlarged. A century later, another face emerges as it is transformed into a pleasure residence.
In 1781, it was sold to Mr. Durand Antoine de Meaux, ancestor of the current owners. The owner is guillotined during the Terror; shortly afterwards an inexorable ruin begins for the pillaged fortress. The damage then begins. Used as a quarry, it gradually fell into ruin, dismantled stone after stone.
In 1946, a decree to protect the place listed it as a “picturesque site” and it was in 1979 that the Association pour la Renaissance d'Urfé was created. From then on, restoration projects began.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Originally from Champoly, the Raybe d'Urfé family has illustrious personalities. First of all Claude d'Urfé (1501-1558), close friend of King François Ier, he accompanied him during the wars in Italy. In 1535, he became governor of Forez and took the opportunity to transform the Bâtie d'Urfé into the current Renaissance castle.
Perhaps you know more about his grandson, Honoré d'Urfé (1567-1625)? He is famous for having written the Astrée, this work of more than 5000 pages which tells the tumultuous love story between the shepherd Céladon and the shepherdess Astrée.
His brother, Anne, has remained in the local posterity and died in Saint-Just-en-Chevalet in 1621. His heart rests in the chapel of the town.
These men have forever marked the history of the Pays d'Urfé.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Frederique's opinion
This castle is truly THE place where I like to recharge my batteries. It offers a sublime view that I will never tire of admiring. Far from the crowds, this is where I come for a family picnic. I like to see my daughter think of herself as the princess of the place. In these remains, his imagination is overflowing!
