Erected in 808 by the Emperor Charlemagne for his son Louis le Débonnaire, the fortress with its grounds became a barony in 1400. Since then, all the following landlords have borne the title of Baron. After the death of King Charles the 3^rd, Duke of Bourbon and Auvergne, Constable of France, the estate was joined to the Crown. In 1700, the fortress was partially demolished by the Cardinal of Richelieu, the clever minister of King Louis the 13^th, because he feared the power of feudal strongholds...

Built in stone, partially roughcast, with slate and tile roofing, the chateau is composed of 4 main buildings of different periods, 5 towers, some crenellated, and 2 terraces with turrets. A covered way runs through the older part.

Covering over 16 000 sq. ft. of grounds, the chateau offers a total surface of 43 000 sq. ft. distributed among 3 levels and 118 rooms.

The ground floor features 14 reception rooms, a vast billiard room, a library, a dining room, a kitchen, 2 bedrooms and further rooms, all decorated with period tiled or parquet flooring and beautiful 15^th century fireplaces.

The 1^st and 2^nd floors distribute 20 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms.

The chateau is equipped with oil central heating, and has its own spring of mineral water.