Château d'Aulteribe medieval castle turned romantic

The first mentions of Château d’Aulteribe date back to the XIIIᵉ century. The château then passed through the ages under the possession of various aristocratic families: the Cholets, the La Fayettes and the Montboissiers. From 1833 onwards, under the impetus of Joseph de Pierre and Henriette Onslow, Château d’Aulteribe underwent a remarkable transformation: from a medieval castle, square in plan and flanked by four towers, it was completed with a new facade and new towers, embellished with machicolations and a bretèche. Situated 45 minutes from Clermont-Ferrand, Château d’Aulteribe has become an elegant and prestigious residence.

Exceptional furniture

The château has the reputation of being one of the best furnished residences in France. Indeed, it houses an exceptional collection of furniture and works of art, and features in particular a collection of furniture stamped by the finest Parisian workshops of the XVIIᵉ and XVIIIᵉ centuries, testifying to the exceptional skills of renowned craftsmen and cabinetmakers. It also features a portrait of Cardinal de Richelieu by Philippe de Champaigne, tapestries from Flanders andAubusson, and porcelain.

Each piece of furniture tells a story – that of its creator, its illustrious patron or the flourishing era of art and craftsmanship – characterized by several distinctive elements. The sophistication of the design: often adorned with delicate motifs, intricate carvings and finely crafted details, they reflect the taste for luxury and comfort of the aristocracy of the time. Or the use of precious materials such as rosewood, mahogany, lemon wood and elm in the manufacture of their furniture. The luxury of marquetry and inlay, in which pieces of wood of different colors or precious materials are inserted to form decorative motifs. Finally, symmetry and balance, and in particular harmonious proportions. All reflecting the influence of historical styles such as Baroque, Rococo and Neo-Classicism.

Remarkable portrait of the Cardinal

Philippe de Champaigne was noticed at court by Marie de Médicis and contributed to the decoration of the Palais du Luxembourg, then the Palais des Tuileries. Influenced by Rubens at the start of his career, his style became more austere. The only painter authorized to depict the Cardinal in full regalia, he painted him eleven times (or twenty-one, depending on the source!) Philippe de Champaigne is renowned for his sober, spiritual portraits and religious works, including that of Richelieu, exhibited at the Chateau d’Aulteribe.

The Cardinal’s gaze, painted with remarkable finesse, seems to possess an “omnipresent” quality, irresistibly capturing the viewer’s attention. It’s a gaze that seems to follow you wherever you move, recalling the unsettling, mysterious effect of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa.

In this work, Philippe de Champaigne captures the very essence of the power and intrigue that surrounded Cardinal de Richelieu. His expression, at once severe and penetrating, reveals a sharp intelligence and unshakeable determination. Every detail, from the folds of his robe to the wrinkles of his face, is executed with meticulous precision. The portrait also symbolizes the influence and significance of Cardinal de Richelieu in French history.

First L.P.O. refuge castle du Puy-de-Dôme

Château d’Aulteribe is set in 235 hectares of preserved natural spaces. Since 2015, several actions in favor of biodiversity have been implemented with the support of the LPO. The Devil’s Clam trail lets you wander through the estate’s forests and gardens.

To know more

La Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux has been a major player in the preservation of biodiversity for over 100 years. It is active in three areas: knowledge and conservation of biodiversity; preservation and management of natural areas; and environmental education and social mobilization. In concrete terms, this refuge means setting up an eco-pasture with a local organic breeder, installing nesting boxes and insect shelters, and numerous events dedicated to nature and heritage in cooperation with various local associations.

Curiosity

The Bénitier du Diable trail takes its name from a local legend. In the past, a devil lived in a cave near the village of Sermentizon. In an act of devotion and faith, the villagers built a stoup near the cave to bless the water and ward off evil spirits. This picturesque name adds a touch of mystery and history to the place, attracting visitors curious to discover the stories and traditions of the region.

A strong commitment to openness and learning

In 1954, the Marquis Henry de Pierre bequeathed the Château d’Aulteribe and its outbuildings, park and forest, as well as its collections, to the French State, with the stated aim of protecting the property and providing artistic instruction for the public. This wish has been scrupulously respected, allowing visitors to discover this surprising place in the heart of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park. When the château was opened to the public in 1965, a presentation of the monument was designed to capture the spirit of a collector’s home from the early XXᵉ century.

In keeping with this mission of “educating the public”, since 1999, the Château d’Aulteribe has been home to a vocational training program in art cabinetmaking that is unique in France. The first “brevet technique supérieur des métiers d’art ébénisterie “restauration et création” (BTMS ébénisterie), created on the initiative of the Centre des monuments nationaux, in partnership with the Auvergne Region, the Institut de formation professionnelle (IFM), the Chambre de métiers et de l’artisanat de la Haute-Loire and the Union nationale de l’artisanat et des métiers de l’ameublement (Unama).

Students have the opportunity to learn traditional cabinetmaking techniques, such as marquetry, veneering, polishing and woodcarving. An important part of the training involves restoring period furniture, enabling students to put the skills they have learned into practice. This hands-on experience enables them to understand the manufacturing methods used in different eras and to develop a keen sense of heritage preservation.

Students are mentored by experienced master cabinetmakers who share their expertise and know-how. These mentors guide students throughout their training, helping them to hone their skills and overcome the technical challenges encountered when restoring antique furniture. Art cabinetmaking training is carried out in partnership with several institutions, enabling students to benefit from additional resources and unique opportunities. These collaborations can include exhibitions, conferences, internships and other activities that enrich the students’ educational experience. This course offers students a unique hands-on, immersive experience of French history and craftsmanship.

Accommodation and restaurants in Thiers

To make the most of this exceptional weekend, find accommodation and restaurants around the town of Thiers.

Lodgings
Restaurants

Hotels in Thiers

Gites in Thiers

Camping in Thiers

A program of events dense and quirky

In keeping with the spirit of an open place that encourages culture for all, Château d’Aulteribe takes part in or organizes a wholerange of original events.

For example, you can take a tour of the château, walking barefoot through the salons, exploring the dining room by torchlight, lying down on the carpets to look under the furniture, or even crunching the fruit on the wall hangings. The tour ends with an aperitif in the garden.

You can also attend intimate piano concerts as part of the“Pianos d’hier, talents d’aujourd‘hui” festival.

Or, more traditionally, for Easter, take part in the “Château en chocolat” operation, an egg hunt staged in partnership with three other châteaux.

Practical information

OpeningGuided tour only

May 15 to September 15
10am – 12:30pm and 2pm – 6:30pm
(Closed on Mondays)
September 16 to May 14
10am – 12:30pm and 2pm – 5:30pm
10:30 am; 2:30 pm; 4 pm
(Closed Mondays and Tuesdays except for groups)

Please note: last admission to the monument is one hour before closing time. Free access to the park until 7.30pm.

Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11, December 25.

Rate

Individual ticket: €7
Combined ticket for château d’Aulteribe and château de Villeneuve-Lembron: €11

Free for :

Under 18s
18-25 years (European Union nationals and regular non-European residents in France)
Disabled person and accompanying adult
Jobseekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old)
Valid Education Pass
The first Sunday of January, February, March, November and December (free admission only)